*DC assures probe, action against mafia
Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Nov 1: The land mafia in Basohli town has become very active, specially after it was accorded the status of additional district, while local Administration has failed to remove the encroachments.
Sources said that after the creation of the post of Additional Deputy Commissioner at Basohli the land mafia became more active in and around the town. A vast State land and even the private lands have been encroached upon by some influential people in connivance with some Revenue officials. Worst is the condition near Bus Stand, Tehsil office complex. Even with the dumping of Saria, bricks and other building material along the roads, the passage has become narrow and it creates traffic jams. Municipal Committee Basohli has also failed to take cognizance of the matter. The general public is suffering
Even after the directions from the Deputy Commissioner, Kathua and the communication from Governor’s office through Divisional Commissioner, Jammu some time back, no effective steps were taken against the land mafia by the local Administration at Basohli. Only, a small action for merely `face saving’ was taken by the Tehsildar on the instructions of ADC Basohli near Bus Stand few months ago but the land cleared was again re-grabbed by the people.
The citizens from the town in a fresh communiqué flashed to the Deputy Commissioner Kathua, O P Bhagat have sought his immediate intervention into the matter. They alleged that local administration was approached several times but the officials at the helm of affairs avoid action due to the reason best known to them. The people in the town are feeling insecure with such illegal activities of the musclemen, they added.
Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, O P Bhagat, however, when contacted said that he will initiate fresh inquiry into the matter and remove all the illegal encroachments from the State or other lands. Bhagat said that he would seek immediate report from the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Basohli, Tilak Raj and appropriate action would be taken in this regard.
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