Kashmiri Pandits’ shops demolished in Jammu; irked traders seek action
The Jammu Development Authority (JDA) has demolished at least 12 shops belonging to displaced Kashmiri Pandits in Muthi area city, allegedly without issuing notices, sparking protests from various sections that demanded action against the officials. The shops were located on land belonging to the JDA.
Officials of JDA along with men and machinery reached Muthi phase 2 areas where the illegal structured were razed to the ground. Shopkeepers and their families resisted the move and said that these shops were their only means of earning.
Relief Commissioner Arvind Karwani visited the area to assess the situation and assured the affected families that new shops would be constructed for them in the area.
‘Prior notice not served’
- Relief Commissioner Arvind Karwani visited the area to assess the situation and assured the affected families that new shops would be constructed for them in the area.
- Jawahir Lal, a shopkeeper, said it is sheer hooliganism of the JCA. No notices were served to us for the demolition. President of the Muthi migrant camp Anil Bhan criticised the timing of the demolition.
“These shops were on the JDA land. The relief organisation has floated tenders for constructing a shopping complex in Muthi Camp Phase II. Ten shops will be constructed soon and allotted to these shopkeepers,” he said.
These shopkeepers and their family members urged the JDA officials not to demolish their shops. However it has been learnt that a shopping complex will be built on the said land in coming months where shops will be allotted to the shopkeepers whose shops were demolished.
PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti said in a post on X “Heartbreaking scenes emerge as Kashmiri Pandit shopkeepers stand helplessly by the rubble of their demolished shops, reportedly brought down by the JDA without prior notice. This come as yet another blow to a community that has endured unimaginable hardships for decades. What began as targeted demolitions of assets of tribal community has now been extended to Kashmiri Pandits, further deepening their sense of alienation and loss. We urge CM Omar Abdullah to step in and address this grave injustice with compassion and urgency”.
BJP Spokesperson GL Raina, who visited the site and met the affected families, said, “This visibly seems to be a revenge action soon after the return of the NC-Congress government headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.” The JDA should have provided alternatives to these families. The government must stop targeting this hapless community,” he said.
Apni Party General Secretary and former legislator Vijay Bakaya expressed dismay and questioned the intentions of the JDA.
“Many shops being run by Kashmiri Pandit migrants in Muthi for nearly 30 years have been demolished. If these shops had to be removed for any legitimate reason, notice should have been given and alternative locations provided. This high-handed action by the authorities is most condemnable,” he said.
Pointing to his demolished shop, its owner Kuldeep Kisroo said, “Instead of helping us survive by providing better facilities and financial support, this government has snatched our bread and butter by bulldozing our shops.” Jav Lal Bhat, another shopkeeper who set up his shop in a tin shed in 1991, said, “How can we feed our families when we are solely dependent on the earnings from these shops? We urge the Lieutenant-Governor and the Chief Minister to intervene and give us justice.” Another shopkeeper, Jawahir Lal, described the demolition as “sheer hooliganism”. He said, “No notices were served to us for the demolition.” Chief of the Muthi migrant camp Anil Bhan criticised the timing of the demolition. “It should have waited for another month as the relief department is already constructing shops for them within the camp. This unfortunate incident could have been avoided,” he said. — (With PTI inputs)
