J&K eviction drive generated fear among common people, says Tarigami

Jammu, Feb 6 (PTI) The ongoing anti-encroachment drive in Jammu and Kashmir has generated fear among the common masses, senior CPI(M) leader MY Tarigami said on Monday.

Asserting that the drive gave the impression that the administration is waging a “war” against the public, he alleged that the campaign seemed selective and discriminatory.

“The ongoing so-called anti land encroachment drive and eviction has generated fear psychosis among the common masses at the ground level in Jammu and Kashmir,” Tarigami said.

While big land grabbers have to be identified and action taken under the law, the method used to evict the alleged encroachers — especially peasants, marginal farmers, small shopkeepers and those living in small houses built years ago — sends the message that the administration is insensitive to the general public’s interests and sentiments, he said.

“The selection of areas and individuals for bulldozing creates doubts regarding the real intentions of the administration. The eviction campaign seems selective and discriminatory,” Tarigami added.