Shifting of HC in Raika hills suicidal: Lal Singh

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 21: Former Minister and Chairman DSSP, Ch Lal Singh has expressed serious concern on the proposed shifting of J&K High Court complex to the Raika Forests which are actually the lungs of the entire Jammu city and any such attempt would be a blunder having serious repercussions on the health of our present and future generations.
“Similar proposals came to me during my tenure as Forest Minister but I turned down the proposal then and there only in view of the importance of this cover for the human and the animals life to ensure ecological balance,” Lal Singh said.
“I wonder how the Government can behave in such an irresponsible way, putting unnecessary pressure on the Government exchequer when the present High Court has ample space to cater even few more complexes related to judiciary which can ease out both to the lawyers and their clients,” said Chowdhry Lal Singh in a press statement here today.
Government instead of wasting such huge resources both natural and human on shifting the complex, can easily create better connectivity by developing and widening already established roads via Manda Zoo. Even flyovers can be built to ease out traffic jams and give direct connectivity to the citizens, former Forest Minister said.
While extending the whole hearted support to the agitators including lawyers and the members of the civil society, Ch. Lal Singh appealed to the authorities to reconsider their decision otherwise DSSP shall take the fight to the streets and roads.
Former MP asked all his rank and file to ensure stiff opposition to any such move of the Government and appealed the civil society of Jammu to identify the enemies of Jammu who are in power but not speaking a word for the public welfare.
“Dogra Swabhimaan Sangathan Party is already up in arms against any such move,” said Ch Lal Singh in a veiled attack on the BJP leadership of JKUT.