JAMMU — Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said action against encroachment on government land in Jammu and Kashmir will begin with influential violators, assuring the Assembly that the poor will not be targeted first.
Winding up discussions on grants of his departments in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdullah said there was unanimity on the need to remove encroachments, but stressed that the process must be fair and follow due procedure.
Referring to remarks by BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma, the chief minister said the concern that bulldozers are often used against the poor while the powerful escape was valid and reflected a long-standing practice that needs to be reversed.
“None of us is saying action should not be taken against encroachers. But when we initiate action, we must first proceed against big land sharks and land grabbers who often shield themselves by aligning with political parties or leaders,” Abdullah said.
He assured the House that only after action is taken against such influential encroachers would the government, if necessary, proceed against others, reiterating his commitment to an equitable and just approach.
Members across party lines had raised concerns over the use of bulldozers against poor people in Jammu and Kashmir and called for action against encroachment on government land to begin with powerful offenders. — (PTI)