Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party leader Waheed Ur Rehman Para on Saturday criticized the demolition of a structure in Keegam area of south Kashmir’s Shopian district, terming the action “bulldozer justice” and warning that such measures without due process could create fear and insecurity among people.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Para said the issue of land and property protection was deeply linked to the identity, livelihood and security of people in Jammu and Kashmir.
“For many Kashmiris, the protection of land and property was not just an election issue, it is personal and existential,” he wrote.
The PDP leader said many people participated in the electoral process with expectations that their livelihood and ancestral inheritance would receive legal and administrative protection.
Referring to the demolition in Keegam, Shopian, Para alleged that the action was carried out despite repeated pleas made before revenue authorities.
“Bulldozer justice without procedure, or due process is not governance; it is dangerous precedence,” he said.
He further claimed that uprooting families from places where they had lived for generations was “inhumane” and warned that such actions could deepen public anxiety regarding land ownership and residential security.
Para also linked the incident to the ongoing political debate surrounding land regularization in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said incidents like the Keegam demolition highlighted the need for a land regularization law aimed at protecting economically weaker sections and families residing on disputed or undocumented land.
“Incidents like this are precisely why our land regularization bill was necessary,” he stated.
The PDP leader alleged that failure to provide legal safeguards for poor families could result in increased demolition drives and social distress.
He further criticized the government for not addressing concerns related to land rights and regularization despite growing public demand for clarity and protection.
The remarks come amid continuing political debate in Jammu and Kashmir over demolition drives, land ownership verification, and alleged encroachment-related actions being undertaken by authorities in different districts.
While the administration has maintained that anti-encroachment measures are carried out under legal provisions, opposition leaders and affected families in several cases have raised concerns regarding due process, rehabilitation and humanitarian implications.. [KNT]
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