‘No genuine houses touched’ in Jammu ‘anti-encroachment’ drives: Ashok Koul

Srinagar, May 20: Jammu and Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) general secretary Ashok Koul on Wednesday said the ongoing anti-encroachment drives in Jammu are being carried out strictly against illegal occupations of government and forest land, asserting that no genuine residential structures have been touched during the process.
Speaking during a party function in Srinagar, BJP’s Ashok Koul, said the exercise is part of a lawful process aimed at removing unauthorised encroachments from state and forest land.
“No house of genuine residents has been touched. Action is being taken against those who have encroached on government or forest land without permission,” he said.
Koul said the drive is not arbitrary but is being conducted in accordance with legal and judicial directions issued in 2020, which are now being implemented on the ground as part of a structured exercise to retrieve public land.
“The court directions issued in 2020 are being implemented now,” he said, adding that such steps are necessary to ensure protection of public resources and prevent further illegal occupation of land meant for public use.
The BJP leader said the ongoing action is focused only on unlawful constructions and encroachments, and reiterated that the interests of genuine residents have been fully safeguarded.
He further said the recent political engagement and joining of new members reflect a visible shift in public sentiment. “We welcome everyone who is joining the Bharatiya Janata Party. This shows that the party is growing in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in Kashmir,” he said.
Koul added that the BJP would continue to organise such outreach programmes across the Valley in the coming days.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent public appeals on reducing unnecessary expenditure and promoting conservation, Koul said these suggestions were aimed at long-term national benefit.
“Whatever Modi Ji has said should be implemented by the people. During COVID, the Prime Minister provided free rations, which are continuing. He always thinks ahead for the country,” he said.
The BJP leader referred to calls for reducing fuel consumption and limiting the use of certain commodities, describing them as measures linked to both economic prudence and public health awareness. (KNO)