Is Jammu's Demolition Drive a Case of Selective Targeting?
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Synopsis
On November 28, CM Omar Abdullah claimed ignorance regarding a demolition drive by the JDA that destroyed a journalist's home. Meanwhile, Mehbooba Mufti accused the government of political targeting, highlighting the plight of vulnerable families amidst ongoing anti-encroachment efforts. The situation raises crucial questions about fairness and transparency in land policy.
Key Takeaways
- CM Omar Abdullah claims unawareness of the JDA's demolition drive.
- Mehbooba Mufti labels the actions as politically motivated.
- The drive targets illegal structures on government land.
- Concerns for vulnerable families have risen.
- Calls for legal land allotments are growing.
Srinagar, Nov 28 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, expressed on Friday that he had no prior knowledge of the demolition initiative conducted by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA), which resulted in the destruction of a journalist's home.
When questioned about the purported targeted demolition of the local journalist's residence in Jammu, Abdullah remarked, "This matter was not presented to us beforehand, nor were we consulted regarding it."
He asserted that the officials executing these demolitions are appointed by the Raj Bhawan, stating, "They have not involved the relevant minister in this process. This represents a significant conspiracy aimed at discrediting and embarrassing the elected government."
"I challenge the JDA CEO to publish the list of demolitions in tomorrow's newspapers. Let them reveal the names of the encroachers in Jammu, and we will see where the truth lies," he added.
"However, selectively targeting individuals based on their religion or locality is nothing less than a political plot," the Chief Minister emphasized.
In response to the demolition of the journalist's house in Jammu's Narwal region, Mehbooba Mufti, president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former chief minister, commented on X, "These aren't mere homes of vulnerable Muslim families elsewhere, where minority targeting has become commonplace. This is Jammu and Kashmir, where Arfaz, a journalist who built a modest home 40 years ago on 3 marlas of land, saw it reduced to rubble in an instant."
"The NC government dismissed the PDP's anti-bulldozer bill, labeling these residents as land grabbers. The harsh repercussions of that decision are now evident for all to witness," she wrote.
The JDA has been actively conducting a demolition campaign against buildings constructed illegally on government property. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether the journalist's demolished house was situated on government land.
Two years ago, a large-scale anti-encroachment drive took place in Jammu city, but it was halted after significant backlash arose from impoverished families, whose homes occupied small plots of land for over five decades.
There is a growing call for the government to refrain from displacing these extremely low-income families and instead to legally allocate these small plots of land to them in Jammu city.
Point of View
It is imperative to remain unbiased and focus on the facts. The demolition drive raises serious concerns about the treatment of vulnerable populations and the transparency of government actions. It is crucial that all voices are heard in this matter, ensuring a fair resolution that protects the rights of the residents involved.
NationPress
28/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the demolition drive in Jammu?
The demolition drive was initiated by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) to remove illegally constructed structures on government land.
Why did CM Omar Abdullah claim ignorance about the drive?
CM Abdullah stated that he was not informed or consulted prior to the demolition actions, raising questions about government transparency.
What are the implications of the demolition on local families?
The demolition has significant implications for local families, particularly those who have lived on small plots of land for decades, leading to calls for legal land allotments.
What did Mehbooba Mufti say in response to the demolitions?
Mehbooba Mufti criticized the demolitions as politically motivated targeting of vulnerable communities, emphasizing the need for justice for affected families.
Is the JDA's demolition drive ongoing?
Yes, the JDA has been actively conducting the demolition drive, but the extent and future of the initiative remain uncertain amidst public backlash.
