15/04/2025
To
The Hon’ble Chief Minister
Government of Jammu & Kashmir
Civil Secretariat, Jammu/Srinagar
Subject: Complaint Against Administrative Officers in Pahalgam for Corruption, Discrimination, and Misuse of Power Under Political Pressure
Respected Sir,
I am writing this letter on behalf of concerned residents of Pahalgam to highlight the growing anger and helplessness among the public due to widespread corruption, favoritism, and administrative negligence by several government officers posted in the region.
It is deeply disturbing that officers across departments in Pahalgam are no longer working in the public interest. Their decisions appear to be heavily influenced by bribes and political pressure, favoring a few powerful individuals at the cost of locals. Class IV employees are being exploited for personal work, and the rights of the common man are being routinely violated.
What is even more shocking is the alleged interference and pressure from the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, who is said to be directly pressurizing officers to carry out illegal work in favor of certain individuals. This kind of political interference in day-to-day administrative functions is unlawful and undermines democratic governance.
A clear example is the road construction project at Bradhaji, which began in March 2025 after submission of documents to BOCA. However, due to pressure from unknown but influential quarters, the administration abruptly halted the project. Till date, the required permission has not been granted, leaving locals in a state of despair.
In contrast, at Athanadan Laripora, a road was illegally constructed by a hotelier using political connections and without any BOCA meeting or approval. The construction was done illegally on state land and private land of nearby residents, in the absence of a CEO for the Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA), who was transferred weeks ago. Locals report that the hotelier threatened anyone who opposed the work, claiming to have political backing and immunity from law.
This lawlessness and abuse of power are eroding people’s trust in the administration and in the democratic institutions of Jammu & Kashmir. As MLA Altaf Ahmad Kaloo has also acknowledged, illegal constructions are being carried out openly due to a vacuum in leadership and misuse of authority.
We therefore urge your esteemed office to take the following actions immediately:
1. Initiate a high-level inquiry into the role of officers involved in corruption and illegal approvals in Pahalgam.
2. Investigate the illegal construction at Athanadan and prosecute the hotelier and any officials who enabled the act.
3. Restore the halted Bradhaji road project and hold accountable those who obstructed it without reason.
4. Appoint a new CEO to PDA without delay and ensure fair oversight of all ongoing and upcoming works.
5. Investigate the misuse of political influence, including from the Hon’ble LG’s office, and stop such illegal interventions in administrative matters.
The people of Pahalgam deserve transparent, accountable, and fair governance. We request your immediate attention to stop these grave violations and restore justice and development in the region.