Act against land encroachers in Jammu: LoP Sunil Sharma

Jammu, Feb 17: Leader of Opposition in J&K Legislature Sunil Sharma on Tuesday reiterated that there was a “land-jehad” going on in Jammu which was also being given legislative protection.

Sunil Sharma, while responding to the queries of media persons outside the J&K Legislature, said, “I had made this statement last time also. There are documents submitted in the High Court which reveal that there are 689 encroachers who have encroached on the Tawi riverbed. They all belong to a particular community. What is the intention? Why do they protect them (encroachers) in the Legislative Assembly?”

When pointed out that the treasury benches accused BJP of defaming Kashmiris, LoP stated that the issue did not relate to a particular person or individual.

“They should identify the persons. They are having that list. Last year I had described it as “land-Jehad” and “legislative-jehad”. As far as encroachment is concerned, we will not tolerate it, anywhere. If we ignore it, it will mean encouragement to land encroachers. It is not just encroachment but it encourages some other intention,” he said.

Sunil Sharma asserted that the discussion should take place on it.

“Not just, it (debate) should follow action. Whether it is state land, forest land or JDA land- the way it (land) has been encroached in Jammu, it needs to be exposed. As far as I know there are very big sharks and crocodiles are involved in it including big business houses,” he alleged, adding, “I believe that the law should take its own course- stringently and in an unbiased manner. We need no drama but the enforcement of law,” he stated.

Regarding the opposition’s charges against BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa that he too grabbed JDA land, LoP stated, “BJP MLA is saying that JDA can take it if they find it illegal. Who can stop the enforcement of law?”

Responding to queries about the controversy related to BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana, Sunil Sharma said that he had not embezzled any money.