Jammu, Nov 22 – The Jammu Development Authority (JDA) on Thursday demolished nearly a dozen shops constructed by Kashmiri Pandit migrants in the Muthi area, sparking widespread protests and political condemnation. The shops were built on land where the community had been initially settled by the then Jammu and Kashmir government around three decades ago.
Shop owners claimed they were not issued prior notice before the demolition, a claim denied by the JDA. According to Indian Express, Vice Chairman Pankaj Sharma stated that notices were issued on January 20, and the shopkeepers had given written undertakings to vacate by the end of February. However, the matter could not be followed up due to the enforcement of the model code of conduct during elections.
The demolition prompted criticism from political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Apni Party, as well as several Kashmiri Pandit organizations. Former J&K Chief Minister and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti described the move as “another blow to a community that has endured unimaginable hardships for decades.”
“What began as targeted demolitions of tribal community assets has now extended to Kashmiri Pandits, deepening their alienation and loss,” Mufti said on social media platform X, urging the government to provide relief.
In a widely circulated video, an elderly man was seen crying, asking, “Where will we go? We have lost everything.” Another affected shopkeeper said, “I think my heart will stop. What have they done to us?”
The affected land, measuring 25 kanals, had been earmarked for the construction of 208 flats for economically weaker sections, Sharma said. He added that the tendering process was complete, and the site had to be handed over to the successful bidder.
J&K Relief Commissioner Arvind Karwani assured the displaced shopkeepers that alternatives would be arranged. He announced plans to construct a shopping complex in Muthi Camp Phase II, stating that ten shops would be built and allotted to the affected families.
BJP spokesperson G L Raina, who visited the site, termed the action “revenge” by the new National Conference-Congress coalition government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. “JDA should have provided alternatives to these families. The government must stop targeting this hapless community,” Raina said.
Apni Party chief Altaf Bukhari criticized the administration, stating, “If demolition was necessary, alternatives to protect livelihoods should have been arranged first. Such actions are disappointing under an elected government.”
The demolition has heightened concerns about the treatment of the Kashmiri Pandit community, with political and civil society groups demanding swift measures to rehabilitate the affected shopkeepers.
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