||Black and White Digital News ||

||Parvinder SinghJune 29 2024 ||

Detailed Report:

Kathua: – Tensions escalated in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district on Saturday when an anti-encroachment drive led to violent clashes between locals and law enforcement officials, resulting in injuries to five police personnel, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police.

The drive, ordered by the Deputy Commissioner of Kathua, targeted the Nagri area of Kathua, where an illegal place of worship had been constructed. According to local Gujjar leaders, the administration’s actions were carried out without proper verification of ground realities. They claim to possess legitimate documents proving ownership of the land on which the mosque was built. The revenue extract, known as ‘lattha’, reportedly shows the existence of the mosque as per Gujjar community leaders.

Encroachment drive was launched early in the morning by the Administration with the assistance of the Kathua police. When the anti-encroachment team began operations in Nagri, agitated members of the Gujjar community, who were residing on the encroached land, resorted to stone pelting. The violence resulted in injuries to DSP HQ Manjeet Singh and several other police personnel, including a female officer.

In response to the escalating situation, SSP Kathua Anayat Ali reached the scene, and a heavy police force was deployed in Nagri to restore Law and order.

The Gujjar community expressed their outrage, questioning why the administration failed to intervene during the construction phase but chose to act now after the mosque was completed. They have condemned the drive, arguing that it unjustly targets their place of worship.

During the demolition attempt, a mob gathered in protest and allegedly attacked the police, resulting in injuries to five officers. The situation quickly deteriorated, prompting authorities to dispatch reinforcements to restore Law and order.

In response to the incident, the administration has appealed to the people of Jammu to maintain communal harmony and not to be swayed by rumors. Officials emphasized that the drive was not directed against any specific community or the mosque but was part of a broader initiative to remove encroachments from state land, in compliance with court orders.

Despite these assurances, the Gujjar community remains skeptical and has called for a thorough review of the encroachment orders. They insist that their rights and religious practices are being unfairly targeted and vow to continue their protest until their grievances are addressed.

As tensions simmer, both sides are urging for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to avoid further escalation. The situation remains volatile, with authorities closely monitoring developments to ensure the safety and security of all residents.