‘Grave injustice,’ says PDP Chief
Srinagar: The Jammu Development Authority (JDA) demolished over a dozen shops belonging to Kashmiri Pandits near the Muthi camp in Jammu. The shopkeepers alleged that the demolitions took place without prior notice, prompting them to stage a protest against the JDA.
JDA however said that these shops were constructed on state land belonging to the authority and were demolished due to ongoing developmental works.
However, the shopkeepers disputed this claim, stating that they received no notice before the demolition.
The incident drew criticism from various political parties, prompting Relief Commissioner Arvind Karwani to visit the site and he assured the shopkeepers that new shops would be constructed in the area soon.
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti condemned the demolition of shops owned by Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA), describing the action as “grave injustice”.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president, urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to step in and address the concern with “compassion and urgency”.
“This comes as yet another blow to a community that has endured unimaginable hardships for decades,” she wrote on X.
As per a video clip shared by the Mufti on X, the affected shopkeepers lamented their losses, saying that these shops were their sole source of livelihood. “We were not given any prior notice or chance to present our case. This is not just an attack on our property but on our dignity,” said one of the shop owners, fighting back tears.
The PDP chief wrote, “Heartbreaking scenes emerge as Kashmiri Pandit shopkeepers stand helplessly by the rubble of their demolished shops, reportedly brought down by the JDA without prior notice.”
She said the “targeted demolition” of assets of the tribal community has now been extended to Kashmiri Pandits, which has further deepened their sense of alienation and loss.
The demolitions carried out by the JDA have sparked outrage from various sections of society, with political leaders and activists questioning the fairness and transparency of the agency’s actions. (ANB/KNO)
JDA demolishes shops built on state land
