JNM Journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
The political atmosphere has intensified following the anti-encroachment drive conducted in the Bahu area of Jammu. In the wake of the actions taken by the administration and the Forest Department, opposition parties have begun targeting the government.
PDP leader Iltija Mufti met with the affected families and launched a scathing attack on the government. She asserted that this is not merely an operation to remove encroachments, but rather a deliberate attempt to render poor families homeless.
Iltija noted that many families had built their homes through years of hard work and by taking out loans. Some individuals are burdened with debts ranging from ₹20 lakh to ₹40 lakh, and now, due to this sudden action, they face a severe housing crisis.
She alleged that this drive is being carried out with the tacit understanding between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the National Conference (NC). She argued that an operation of such magnitude would not be possible without political sanction.
Citing Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s “Bulldozer Model,” Iltija Mufti remarked that the very same approach is now being adopted in Jammu and Kashmir—despite the fact that the government had come to power on the promise of ensuring security and dignity for the people.
She also demanded the resignation of Forest Minister Javed Rana, urging him to accept moral responsibility for the situation. Iltija stated that if the Minister was indeed unaware of the action being taken, he has no moral right to continue holding his office.
Meanwhile, the administration maintains that the campaign against illegal encroachments on government and forest lands will continue. According to officials, these actions are being executed strictly in accordance with the law.
Amidst this, an atmosphere of fear and resentment prevails among the affected families. The residents have appealed to the government for relief and for the provision of alternative housing arrangements. The PDP has affirmed that the party stands in solidarity with the affected people and will raise this issue forcefully.
