Anti-encroachment drive in Kathua | Police personnel sustain injuries in violence

Jammu, June 29: Around half a dozen police personnel Saturday sustained injuries in violence erupted during an anti-encroachment drive by the district administration conducted at Purab Chak village of Nagri in Kathua.

Officials stated, “The violence erupted when the concerned district administration officials accompanied by police personnel went there to remove encroachment on state land. As the team initiated a drive against an unauthorised building or structure built on state land, the dwellers nearby protested against the move and turned violent. They pelted stones which led to injuries to 5-6 police personnel, including an SHO, Deputy Superintendent of Police.”

“Building, being illegally constructed on state land, has been sealed. SSP Kathua Anayat Ali too immediately reached the spot after violence erupted and additional reinforcement was rushed there. Situation is normal,” they added, while cautioning against what they said, “rumour-mongering aimed at communal flare-up.”

Reference was to social media posts circulating even, what the officials alleged, “morphed photos to give a communal colour to routine drive.”

Later DC Kathua Dr Rakesh Minhas, on his official account, also shared a brief account of the incident to “correct distorted versions” and urged the civil society “not to misinterpret the facts.”

“Anti encroachment drive carried out against illegal occupants on state land in village Purab Chak today. Failure to abide by notices to stop unauthorised construction prompted the action. Notices served twice earlier, but work continued illegally,” DC posted on ‘X.’

“Our action against illegal encroachers in village Purab Chak is a routine drive. We urge civil society not to misinterpret this issue. It’s our collective responsibility to combat the menace of illegal constructions. The law and order situation is normal in Kathua district,” he said.

“We urge everyone to remain vigilant and not spread misinformation or believe rumours. Let us work together to maintain peace and uphold the rule of law,” post by DC Minhas read.