Jammu: The fallout of the demolition drive in Bishnah intensified on Tuesday, with political leaders and aggrieved residents taking their protest to Vikas Bhawan, Bahu Plaza, where a high-level meeting was held with the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) Vice Chairman.
Amid growing resentment over the recent demolition of structures at Chak Avtara along the Ring Road, a large delegation led by Bishnah MLA Dr. Rajeev Bhagat met the JDA VC, raising strong objections to what they termed as “unjustified” and “harsh” action against residents.
The delegation, comprising nearly hundred locals along with prominent political figures including MLA Surinder Bhagat,LA Prof. Gharu Ram and former MLA Chander Parkash Ganga, expressed concern over the manner in which the demolition drive was carried out.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Rajeev Bhagat alleged that the JDA was unnecessarily targeting residents and conducting demolition drives without adequate notice. He urged the authorities to immediately halt such actions and ensure that people are not displaced abruptly, especially during odd hours.
In response, the JDA Vice Chairman Rupesh Kumar clarified that the action was taken against unauthorized constructions. He advised residents to obtain No Objection Certificates (NOCs), stating that structures with proper authorization would not face demolition. He further emphasized the need for public awareness regarding illegal constructions and urged encroachers to vacate the land voluntarily.
Meanwhile, the human angle of the crisis came to the fore as a separate delegation highlighted the plight of around 45 migrant families from the Ramban region, who have been residing on government land for the past 30–35 years. Represented by former sarpanch Raj Dev Singh Jamwal, the families appealed for alternative accommodation or allotment of small land parcels in Tehsil Bhalwal.
The families, now facing eviction following recent notices, sought time until July to arrange shelter. Officials said the JDA has granted them a temporary reprieve of one to two months, after which further action will be considered. A memorandum in this regard was also submitted to the JDA VC.
Earlier in the day, around around two hundred people, including ex-sarpanchs and panchs, had assembled in Bishnah and moved towards Jammu city to protest against the demolition drive, signalling rising public anger over the issue.
With political pressure mounting and affected families seeking rehabilitation, the Bishnah demolition row appears far from over, as demands for relief, regularisation, and humane handling of the situation continue to grow.
