Jammu, February 22: Senior Congress leader and DDC Suchetgarh, Taranjit Singh Tony has strongly condemned the Revenue Department for allocating land for the construction of an ammunition depot in the densely populated area of village Chowadhi, Tehsil Bahu. He criticized the move as a blatant disregard for public safety and demanded immediate intervention from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to prevent such anti-people decisions.
During his visit to the site, Tony was apprised by local residents that the land earmarked for the depot is situated just behind a mosque, making it highly unsuitable for such a sensitive installation.
Expressing shock over the Revenue Department’s failure to verify the ground reality, he slammed officials for their irresponsible behavior, which he said reflects a lack of concern for public welfare.
Tony highlighted that it is a well-established fact that ammunition depots should not be located near residential areas due to safety concerns. He recalled a similar case where the court has ordered the demolition of the house of former Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh for violating such norms. “If the law applies to one, it must apply to all. The Revenue Department cannot turn a blind eye to the risks posed to civilians in the area,” he asserted.
Taking the matter up with the concerned Tehsildar of Bahu, Tony was alarmed to learn that the official was unaware of the land allocation, further exposing administrative lapses.
Expressing his discontent with the arbitrary land allocations, Tony demanded that revenue officials thoroughly verify land records before acquiring any property. “Before allocating land, officials must ensure that it does not already belong to someone else. They should check revenue records to avoid legal disputes and unjust encroachments,” he said.
He accused various departments, including the Jammu Development Authority (JDA), Forest Department, and Jammu Municipal Corporation, of forcibly occupying land on the name of encroachments without verifying records. “Many of such lands are already registered under different heads, but in connivance with corrupt officials, people are being harassed for personal gains,” he alleged.
Tony also exposed the unethical practices of certain Tehsildars in Bahu, who, in the past, allegedly put up boards declaring land as ‘State Land’ only to demand money from locals in exchange for removing them. He urged CM Omar Abdullah to take strict action against such malpractices and prevent officials from exploiting people for bribes.
The senior Congress leader clarified that while he does not oppose the construction of an ammunition depot, it must be built in a non-residential area where it does not threaten civilian lives. He suggested that instead of an ammunition depot, the land should be utilized for public welfare projects such as a veterinary hospital.
Tony also accused the administration of attempting to forcibly initiate construction work despite heavy public opposition. However, after speaking with Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Sachin, he was assured that the matter would be reviewed with due consideration for the local population.
Appealing to CM Omar Abdullah, Tony urged him to instruct revenue officials to refrain from issuing anti-people orders that jeopardize civilian safety. He warned that if the district administration fails to take corrective measures, mass protests will be launched to safeguard public interest.
