Kashmir Impulse Desk

Jammu, May 20 

National Conference leader and Banihal MLA Sajjad Shaheen on Wednesday condemned the demolition of residential structures belonging to Gujjar and Bakerwal families in Jammu, alleging that sections of the administration were being used to pursue “selective bulldozer politics” that could disturb peace in the region.

In a statement, Shaheen described the demolition drive as “selective, unfortunate and capable of disturbing the peaceful atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir”.

He alleged that while the present government was committed to peace, communal harmony and inclusive governance, certain officials within the administration appeared to be acting under political pressure to implement the agenda of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Jammu.

“The sequence of events clearly indicates that there are certain officers within the system who are trying to appease BJP elements by selectively targeting poor and innocent tribal families,” Shaheen said.

He referred to recent statements made by a BJP legislator from Jammu allegedly warning tribal families of eviction, saying the remarks followed by the demolition drive had raised concerns among the public.

“Such actions are unacceptable and can damage the peaceful atmosphere of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

Shaheen questioned how such a large-scale demolition exercise was carried out without “proper consultation and administrative sensitivity”.

“The government stands for justice and inclusive governance, but unfortunately some officers seem more interested in implementing the political agenda of divisive forces rather than following humanitarian and constitutional principles,” he said.

The MLA said the Gujjar and Bakerwal communities formed an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir’s social fabric and had historically contributed to maintaining peace and harmony in the region.

“Targeting poor tribal families while influential encroachers and land mafias remain untouched exposes the selective nature of this action,” he said.

Shaheen demanded accountability of officials responsible for the demolition drive and called for a fair inquiry into the matter, besides seeking rehabilitation and compensation for affected families.

Separately, he laid the foundation stone of an additional building at High School Kaskoot in Banihal, to be constructed at a cost of 78.41 lakh rupees.

The event was attended by education and public works officials, local representatives, teachers and students.

On the occasion, the MLA announced a water cooler, an AI-backed digital interactive panel and 100 desks for the school.

Shaheen said improving educational infrastructure in remote and hilly areas remained a priority under his development agenda and added that the demand for the additional building had been raised during his previous visit to the school last year.

He said several projects related to roads, bridges, healthcare, drinking water and education were currently under execution across the Banihal-Gool constituency.

Shaheen also thanked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for supporting development projects in the constituency.