Will JDA Show Same Strength Against Powerful Land Mafia? Paloura Encroachments Test Agency’s Resolve
- The JDA’s recent demolition drive targeting Kashmiri Migrants’ shops in Lower Roop Nagar calling them encroachers contrasts sharply with their inaction against alleged land grabbers in Paloura, raising concerns about a biased approach.
- A letter from the JDA Tehsildar in 2022 identified “hardcore land grabbers” Anil Gupta and Sham Singh encroaching on JDA land in Paloura, but despite recommendations for FIRs and even court orders, the JDA has failed to take decisive action.
- The JDA’s justification for the Roop Nagar demolitions calling them ‘encroachments’, citing the need for EWS flat construction, rings hollow in light of their inaction against the larger-scale encroachments in Paloura, where an estimated 200 Kanals of prime JDA land have been illegally occupied.
- This double standard raises questions about the JDA’s commitment to protecting public land and highlights the vulnerability of ordinary citizens, particularly displaced Kashmiri Migrants, compared to the apparent impunity enjoyed by powerful land grabbers with potential connections within the JDA and Revenue Department.
- When contacted concerned VC JDA to know whether his department will show same aggression on encroachers in Paloura and other areas, he did not pick our calls despite repeated attempts.
jj correspondent
Jammu, Nov 22: The Jammu Development Authority (JDA) is facing accusations of a biased approach to encroachment, demonstrating swift and decisive action against vulnerable Kashmiri Migrants while seemingly turning a blind eye to powerful land grabbers who have illegally occupied vast tracts of JDA land.
This double standard was brought into sharp focus by two recent letters from the JDA, revealing a stark contrast in their approach to dealing with encroachment.
In a letter to the Station House Officer, Janipur, dated October 20, 2022 (No. JDA/Teh-A/1291-98), the Tehsildar of JDA Zone A/B reported the encroachment of JDA land under Khasra No. 985 in Paloura by Anil Gupta and Sham Singh. The letter described the construction of illegal residential structures and highlighted the fact that both individuals are “hardcore land grabbers” with prior FIRs recommended/registered against them by the JDA (JDA/Teh-A/1052-59 dated August 23, 2021, JDA/Teh-A/46-52 dated April 6, 2022, and JDA/Teh-A/1159-66 dated October 10, 2022).
Despite acknowledging the illegal encroachment, the contempt of court by the accused, and the submission of an affidavit by Anil Gupta admitting to the encroachment and promising to demolish the illegal structures, the JDA’s action has been limited to recommending another FIR.
Contrast this with the JDA’s recent demolition drive in Lower Roop Nagar on November 20, 2024, where shops operated by Kashmiri Migrants for over 35 years were demolished calling them ‘encroachments; to clear the site for the construction of 208 EWS flats. A press release issued by the Vice-Chairman of JDA on November 21, 2024 (No: JDA/VC/2024/335), justified the demolition, emphasizing the need to clear the site for the housing project.
This stark contrast in JDA’s approach raises serious concerns about bias and double standards. While vulnerable Kashmiri Migrants, who were accommodated by government in these dome like quarters and are struggling to make a living, faced swift and decisive action, resulting in the loss of their livelihoods, while powerful land grabbers in Paloura have been allowed to continue their illegal activities with impunity, despite repeated offenses and pending legal cases.
The JDA’s inaction against the Paloura land grabbers, who have allegedly encroached upon an estimated 200 Kanals of prime JDA land, raises suspicions of collusion between JDA officials, revenue authorities, and the land mafia. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the JDA’s Khilafwarzi wing and its commitment to protecting public land.
When contacted concerned VC JDA to know whether his department will show same aggression on encroachers in Paloura and other areas, he did not pick our calls despite repeated attempts.
Will the JDA now demonstrate the same zeal in demolishing the illegal structures in Paloura as it did in Lower Roop Nagar? Or will the law continue to apply only to the poor and vulnerable, while the powerful and influential enjoy impunity? The public demands answers and action. The JDA must demonstrate its commitment to fairness and accountability by taking decisive action against all encroachers, regardless of their influence.
