Srinagar, Nov 21: Several political parties Kashmiri Pandit organisations on Thursday condemned the demolition of shops owned by the displaced community; which were reportedly brought down by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) without any prior notice.
The officials said the old shops were located on land belonging to the JDA, which had given a deadline to the Kashmiri Pandits to remove their shops on their own within three months, failing which encroachments would be removed.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti described the scenes of “helpless” Kashmiri Pandit shopkeepers standing by the rubble of their demolished businesses as “heartbreaking”.
“What began as demolitions targeting the tribal community has now extended to the Kashmiri Pandit community, deepening their sense of alienation and loss,” the former chief minister said.
Mufti called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to step in and address the situation with immediate action. “The government must show compassion and urgency in resolving this matter, which is a grave injustice to the already marginalised community,” she said.
Bukhari urges authorities to ‘ensure justice’
Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari in a statement said these establishments had been the primary source of livelihood for the refugees for over three decades.
“If the demolition was deemed necessary, the administration should have arranged alternative solutions beforehand to protect the shop owners’ livelihoods,” he said.
Bukhari urged the authorities to ensure justice by either allowing the affected individuals to rebuild their shops or providing them with suitable alternatives. “The administration must take steps to address the concerns of the affected shop owners and safeguard their means of sustenance,” he said.
JDA must immediately rehabilitate shopkeepers: Bakaya
Apni Party’s general secretary and former Member of Legislative Council (MLC), Vijay Bakaya in a statement questioned the intention of the JDA for “targeting” the migrant community.
“Many shops being run by Kashmiri Pandit migrants for the nearly thirty years at Muthi have been demolished by JDA,” Bakaya said, expressing his displeasure. He expressed shock at the “insensitive and ruthless manner” in which this destruction has been done.
“If for any legitimate reason, these shops had to be removed, a notice should have been given and an alternative location should have been provided,” the Apni Party leader said. “This high-handed action by authorities is most condemnable. The JDA has deprived the displaced KPs of their means of livelihood after nearly 30 years.”
Bakaya demanded that the JDA should immediately rehabilitate the shopkeepers.
Camp president criticises timing
President of the Muthi migrant camp Anil Bhan criticised the timing of the demolition.
“It should have waited for another month as the relief department is already constructing shops for them within the camp. This unfortunate incident could have been avoided,” he said.
BJP spokesperson alleges revenge by NC govt
BJP spokesperson G L Raina, who visited the site and met the affected families, said, “This visibly seems to be a revenge action soon after the return of the NC-Congress government headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The JDA should have provided alternatives to these families. The government must stop targeting this hapless community.”
Relief Commissioner assures new shops
Relief Commissioner Arvind Karwani visited the area to assess the situation and assured the affected families that new shops would be constructed for them in the area.
“These shops were on JDA land. The relief organisation has floated tenders for constructing a shopping complex in Muthi Camp Phase II. “Ten shops will be constructed soon and allotted to these shopkeepers,” he said.
