 Early Times Report
JAMMU, May 13: Senior BJP leader and MLA Bahu, Ch. Vikram Randhawa today led a massive protest along with members of civil society, social activists, local residents, and party workers including District President Naresh Singh Jasrotia, and his team against the increasing incidents of illegal land encroachments across Jammu, particularly in Bahu Constituency and the forest land surrounding the historic Mahamaya Mandir.
Raising serious concern over the growing activities of land mafias and encroachers, the MLA said that illegal occupation of forest and government land has become a major threat to the ecological balance, public property, and the religious heritage of Jammu city.
Speaking on the occasion, Ch. Vikram Randhawa strongly condemned the attempts by land encroachers to illegally occupy forest land near Mahamaya Mandir and warned that such anti-public activities will not be tolerated at any cost. He said that the sacred surroundings of Mahamaya Mandir must be protected and preserved for future generations.
The MLA further stated that several areas of Jammu, especially Bahu Constituency, are witnessing continuous attempts of illegal encroachments by land mafias, and demanded immediate intervention by the administration to identify and remove all such encroachments without delay.
During the protest, the police department and district administration held discussions with the protestors and assured that necessary action regarding the encroachments would be initiated and completed within seven days. Following the assurance from the administration, the protestors peacefully opened the highway and suspended the protest temporarily.
"Public land and forest land belong to the people and cannot be allowed to fall into the hands of land mafias. We will continue to raise our voice strongly until strict action is taken against every encroacher," the MLA asserted. The protest witnessed enthusiastic participation from civil society members, prominent locals, youth, and BJP workers, who raised slogans demanding protection of forest land and strict legal action against land encroachers. Reaffirming his commitment towards safeguarding Jammu's environment, heritage, and public resources, Ch. Vikram Randhawa assured the people that he will continue to stand firmly with the citizens in protecting every inch of government and forest land from illegal occupation. |
