Jammu, Feb. 3 -- Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Tuesday said the government will conduct an inquiry into the demolition of brick kilns and crushers in Budgam district.

The decision was taken after allegations by legislators that registered units were targeted while illegal operations continued to function.

Responding to a question by National Conference (NC) MLA Dr Shafi Ahmad Wan in the Legislative Assembly, Choudhary said there are 199 brick kilns in Budgam.

"Out of these, 128 brick kilns have deposited the required royalty with the District Mineral Officer for the consumption of brick earth during the current financial year," he said.

The issue escalated when NC MLA Ali Mohammad Dar alleged that...