GREF labourer’s death sparks protest in Rajouri
Jammu: Tension erupted in the Mogla area of Kalakote Sub Division in Rajouri district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir after the death of a local General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) labourer, linked to mental stress arising out of a dispute over a proposed road widening project.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the deceased has been identified as Baldev Raj (58), a resident of Jungarial village in Taryath tehsil. According to reports, Baldev Raj suffered a brain stroke at his residence late Friday night. He was immediately shifted to Jammu for advanced treatment, where he later died.
As per locals, a team of the GREF officials along with some officials from the Revenue Department had visited the Mogla area three days ago to inspect the proposed road widening work. During the visit, Baldev Raj reportedly requested the officials to slightly modify the alignment of the road, stating that the proposed widening could endanger his residential house and land.
Eyewitnesses said that an argument broke out between Baldev Raj and officials during the inspection. Locals claimed that officials informed him that land acquisition for the road expansion would proceed as per requirement and that structures falling within the alignment could also be removed if necessary.
Family members said that following the incident, Baldev Raj remained under severe mental stress and depression for several days, and his health deteriorated continuously before he suffered the fatal stroke.
News of his death triggered strong resentment in the area. On Saturday morning, family members of the deceased along with nearly 300 local residents staged a protest near Mogla bridge by placing the body on the road. The protesters blocked the Taryath-Kalakote road and raised slogans against the administration and concerned GREF officials while demanding justice for the deceased family.
