Locals against administration

Srinagar

Post the Pulwama attack, the entire townlet is under close surveillance. The government has constructed the maximum number of armed forces to keep an eagle eye to ensure people’s safety and console the history will not repeat. But the residents seem unhappy with the government’s decision. They stood up in arms against the administration of Jammu and Kashmir for allowing CRPF to build camps on their land. 

Resident’s Claim

According to a tenant, the land upon which the CRPF army was planning to set up their camps comes under Agriculture land. On Monday, the residents also staged a protest at Srinagar’s press enclave and demanded immediate revocation of the order allowing the transfer of 80 Kanals of irrigation land to armed forces. The issue of land transfer to the armed forces has now been a contentious issue in the Valley with locals opposing such moves repeatedly. 

Law Enforcement

On October 28, 201, the JK administration gave a nod for transferring 65.5 acres to the CRPF for establishing camping sites at eight villages in Anantnag, Shopian, and Pulwama districts.

The protesters during their gathering chanted pro-justice slogans. Talking to the media persons, they said, “This land was utilized by our ancestors for irrigation, then in 1967; the government of Jammu and Kashmir provided an irrigation scheme for this land and was used for irrigation purposes till date. This land is bread and butter for over 800 people.”

“If Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi is serious in his claims and promises about the farmers then how come it is possible to transfer a huge land, meant for irrigation purpose, be transferred,” they said.

“We don’t need any compensation. We are dependent on this land. It is impossible to survive for us without this land as there is no option left with us to earn our bread and butter,” they added.

Their Demands

To gear up their demands, the residents said, “in case the order is not revoked, they will continue to hit the streets to press for the demands…We appeal to Narendra Modi, Home Minister of India Amit Shah, LG administration, and all concerned authorities to revoke the order at the earliest so that the locals could heave a sigh of relief”.

Series of Incident

Although this is not the first time that residents have protested over land. Earlier, they expressed opposition after at least two major community halls which were occupied by the CRPF. The report said, adding, they demanded an alternative accommodation for the security personnel.

In 2019 the Indian Army had to approach the JK High Court, after a local body — Sonmarg Development Authority — had objected to the army’s proposal of constructing a transit camp in the scenic Sonmarg.

On November 14, former CM Mehbooba Mufti put out a tweet to revise the government’s decision. “By pushing armed forces into civilian areas, GoI isn’t only choking public spaces but also getting armed forces personnel into a confrontation with people. This can lead to disastrous consequences.”

For more daily updates click here.