Indian police open fire on protesters during anti-demolition drive in Jammu
Jammu: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Indian police fired gunshots during a protest demonstration against the ongoing demolition drive that displaced dozens of residents in Raika Bandi forest area on the outskirts of Jammu.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Indian police, accompanied by personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Armed Police, were deployed in large numbers in the Bandi Ragoora area of Sidhra on Monday as protests continued against the demolition of houses in the name of anti-encroachment operation.
Police claimed that protesters resorted to stone-pelting and delivered what it described as provocative speeches after being prevented from holding a sit-in and candlelight protest without official permission.
The incident occurred in an area where a joint operation by forest, revenue and police officials had resulted in the demolition of around 25 structures and the seizure of approximately 60 kanals of forest land. The action triggered widespread anger among affected families, most of them belonging to nomadic communities, who maintain that the demolitions were carried out without prior notice.
The families have been protesting continuously since the demolition drive, arguing that they have lived in the area for generations and that their presence is documented in historical voter records dating back to 1952. They have described the operation as illegal and unjust, accusing the authorities of disregarding their rights and livelihoods.
Local residents said the situation escalated after a political leader joined the protest and joined a candlelight demonstration in solidarity with the affected families. Witnesses stated that tensions rose amid a heavy deployment of police and forces personnel, eventually leading to clashes and police firing.
The latest incident has further intensified concerns over the treatment of vulnerable communities facing eviction and displacement in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, after the growing anger and criticism by the public and allegations of procedural violations, the occupation regime has been forced top order separate inquiries into the demolition operation.
