*Seeks probe by High Court Judge
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 20: Strongly criticizing the authorities for resorting to inhumane, arbitrary and illegal mid-night action of evictions and demolition in Bandi- Bahu area, uprooting over 40 families without any prior alert call or notice, JKPCC leaders questioned the use of implementation of Forest Rights Act in J&K, if the occupants of more than 35 to 40 years are not transferred the rights as per Act and evicted in this manner, besides sought appointment of a commission headed by sitting/retired High Court judge to enquire into the process of eviction.
Addressing a Press Conference at ‘Rajiv Bhawan’ here today, JKPCC working president, Raman Bhalla, chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, former minister and DCC president Jammu Urban Yogesh Sawhney, former MLC Ved Mahajan termed the selective anti- encroachment as dangerous and said that law should be applied equally to all those who are illegal encroachers, especially big land grabbers of influence.
“We are not against any legal action or eviction drive as per law but against such arbitrary inhumane actions taken without adopting due process of law,” they asserted.
Bhalla said party stands for uniform action against all illegal encroachers especially land grabbers whose names are in public domain for years but are not touched. Only poor people are being targeted in selective actions under dual power centre system.
He said the dual control system is the root cause of all such problems and people suffer in the absence of Statehood, so statehood should be restored and people should have right to be governed and ruled by elected people as per law.
Bhalla said BJP had claimed implementation of Forest Rights Act to J&K for giving benefit and ownership rights to Tribals and other forest dwellers who occupy Forest land prior to 13 Dec, 2005. What is the use and fun of its implementation if those residing for the last so many years with pacca structures, are evicted and destroyed in this manner during mid night without prior warning, Bhalla said.
Congress leaders blamed BJP of playing double game, as one MLA goes in support while other protests for demolition. Demanding a high level Commission headed by sitting or retired high court judge to enquire into the entire issue and give findings, they announced to provide free legal aid to affected people, if approached.
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