Demolition drives

Whenever demolition of illegal structures is carried out by either Jammu Development Authority or by Jammu Municipal Corporation there is always controversy. Why is it that the demolition always comes under criticism and various questions which need answers but the questions asked never find answers. Most of the questions are related to the allegation of the demolition move being itself illegal and many times it is also alleged that these demolitions are selective. This is alleged by the victim and also by the people belonging to the civil society that most of the time these demolition moves are confined to the areas and people of the choice of the concerned authorities of the JDA and JMC. Another serious allegation which is labeled against these two institutions is regarding impartiality. According to many people the authorities of JDA and JMC always keep a space for escape for their own blue eyed boys. They make it sure by applying and then manipulating various sections of the demolition act to save their own relatives, friends, and other dear and near ones from coming under the demolition, despite their structures being declared illegal by the court of law. The authorities of JDA and JMC immediately are on the job of saving their dear ones. They know the legal procedure and also the weak points of this process, as such they have the capability to save their dear ones but for those who are not in the list of their good ones, different sections of the laws are applied and the demolition process is completed. They are fully aware of the fact that once the structure is demolished, which allegedly may or may not be in accordance with the law, the victim is rendered helpless. Most of the victims are from economically weaker sections of the society and as such are not in a position to approach the court of law. Everyone knows that even the process of legal help or shelter is not as easy for a common man as is described in the media. It is a very long, very complicated and above all very costly process and as such is out of the reach of the poor section of the society. Taking advantage of this JDA and JMC as alleged by several victims and also by the members of civil society the victims are dislodged from their places and are left shelter and homeless because of their weak financial positions. As such the action of JDA and JMC may or may not be illegal is finally justified for no legal process initiated by the victims. No one is interested in finding out the reason behind their financial incapability of not approaching the court of law.