Villagers allege encroachment of Govt land by mafia at Nandni

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 22: Residents of village Nandni have alleged encroachment of the reclaimed land on both sides of Tawi bed by mafia and demanded immediate action against the persons responsible for illegal sale of the Government land.
“Land mafia in connivance with Revenue officials and having backing of a Minister, are illegally selling the Government land, which has been reclaimed by channelizing the Tawi river near Nandni,” said Ram Pal, one of the villagers, while talking to media persons, here today.
He explained that around 2000 kanal land was reclaimed on the Tawi bed but instead of using the same for development of parks or other public utilities, the authorities were virtually allowing the land grabbers to settle outsiders in the area. “Some Revenue officials and a minister are hand in glove with these land grabbers, whose kingpin is a Panchayat member”, Ram Pal alleged and urged the Divisional Commissioner Jammu to take serious notice of the development.
The villagers also threatened to launch an agitation if no action is taken against the land grabbers immediately to save the Government land from getting encroached upon.