Tony advocates for immediate regularization of bastis, colonies

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 13: Taranjit Singh Tony, DDC Member Suchetgarh and senior Congress leader today strongly advocated for the immediate regularization of bastis and colonies in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement issued here today, tony asserted that the first priority of the upcoming coalition Government led by Omar Abdullah, should be to address the long-standing issue of irregular colonies like Kullian, Chatha, Valmiki Basti, Bahu Fort, Bathindi, and several others, which have been subjected to harassment under the current administration.
“The LG administration’s actions have harassed the residents of these colonies by demolishing their houses and business establishments, even though the land legally belongs to others. Departments like the JDA, Municipality and Forest Department have forcibly taken over people’s land, ignoring clear revenue records showing rightful ownership,” he said.
“The residents have been threatened with further demolitions if they seek legal recourse. The administration has been intimidating people, warning them not to approach the courts, otherwise their entire neighborhoods would be bulldozed. This is a grave injustice, and the Government must act as a guardian, resolving the issue based on the merit of law,” he added.
The senior Congress leader urged Omar Abdullah and the incoming Government to regularize these colonies without delay and put an end to the harassment of local residents.