Srinagar, Nov. 28 -- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said that recent demolition drives have been carried out without the knowledge or approval of the elected government and is a "deliberate conspiracy" to embarrass and undermine the administration chosen by the people.

Speaking to reporters, Omar said officers appointed by Raj Bhawan were using bulldozers without consulting the concerned minister or taking the elected government into confidence.

He said such actions clearly suggested an attempt to "embarrass and undermine" the government elected by the people.

He said that the field staff in every department must be appointed with the government's approval. "Commissioner Secretaries and Principal Secretaries are fine, but CEOs ...