*The Christian community alleged that the opposing party overnight encroached upon the land in front of the missionary hospital’s gate, locking in patients and staff inside.
*The opposing party claims to be the rightful owner of the land and stated that the court has imposed a ban on the Christian community’s involvement in the matter.
Akhnoor, Jan 5: Tensions erupted in the town of Akhnoor on Sunday morning following a land dispute between two parties over the access road to St. Joseph’s Hospital. The Christian community, alleging that the opposing party had illegally encroached on the land, staged a protest by blocking the road and bringing traffic to a standstill.
The Christian community accused the other party of taking control of the road leading to the hospital overnight, thereby blocking access for patients and hospital staff. They further claimed that a grave along the roadside was also damaged during the encroachment. According to the Christian community, their society had purchased the land several decades ago, including the road leading to the hospital. They alleged that the sudden encroachment on the land occurred without prior notice or justification.
On the other hand, representatives of the opposing party, Sardar Charanpreet Singh and Pradeepjot Singh, asserted that the land in question originally belonged to their father, and following his passing, the property was inherited by them. They claimed that the court had issued an injunction, preventing the Christian community from interfering with the land. The opposing party also stated that their ancestors had sold a portion of the land to the Christian community for the construction of the hospital and school. However, 17 marlas of land, including the disputed portion, remained in their possession.
As the situation escalated and tensions rose, the Christian community continued their protest by blocking the road. In response, Jammu and Kashmir Police, under the leadership of SDPO Mudasir Ahmad, swiftly intervened and removed the encroachment from the entrance of St. Joseph’s Hospital. Following the removal, the protesters ended their roadblock.
To resolve the matter peacefully, both parties were summoned to the Akhnoor Police Station, where discussions were held under the supervision of the police and the Revenue Department, represented by Tehsildar Naresh Kumar. As of late evening, talks between the two parties were still ongoing, with authorities working to find a resolution to the land dispute.
This incident highlights the growing tensions over land ownership and the need for mediation to address such disputes while ensuring the welfare of the community and institutions involved.
