Suhail Khan
The order to evict people from state property by the Jammu and Kashmir government has sparked outrage throughout the Union Territory, with hundreds of activists from various political parties taking to the streets in opposition to the action.
On the other hand people are pleased but also anxious, resentful, and apprehensive about the effects of the government’s decision.
The public is debating the matter and is hopeful that the government would act against the top-ranking bureaucrats, political parties, lawmakers, and other authorities who have appropriated state property in the name of their positions of authority.
The eviction from state land has now become a hot topic in Jammu and Kashmir.
‘Hey do you know? 150 kanals of land has been evacuated from this place. Mir Sahib’s double storey house is in state land, what will happen to that! That minister has encroached some 1500 kanals of land, I heard he has approached the government. Seems he will be left alone.’
If you go to a mosque, you will hear people talking about the recent decision to evict individuals from government property at hamams and how that decision could affect the people of Kashmir.
The subject of conversation in Kashmir’s shopping stores, bus stops, public transportation hubs, and playgrounds is the new government decision to take severe action against people who have encroached on government land in Jammu and Kashmir.
The people are extremely alarmed by this edict, but they are also concerned that it would further impoverish the poor while protecting the big fish, bureaucrats, and politicians involved.
People worry that this action is being taken to target the poor people of Jammu and Kashmir who built modest businesses on state property to support their families or who lacked land to establish agricultural endeavours or build homes.
People in these conversations frequently raise concerns about the motive of earlier governments and administrations that permitted the construction of homes and businesses on public property without restriction.
Only the days ahead will tell which direction it will go. Let’s observe for the time being.
Note : Representative picture used for this news item.