Jammu Development Authority debunks claims of Kashmiri Pandit shopkeepers, Cites prior notice and written undertakings

Jammu, Nov 22, KNT: The Jammu Development Authority (JDA) has refuted allegations by Kashmiri Pandit shopkeepers that they were not given prior notice before the demolition drive.

JDA Vice Chairman Pankaj Sharma told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that notices were served on January 20, and written undertakings were received from the shop owners to vacate the land by February’s end.

Sharma said that the delay in enforcement was due to the model code of conduct for the Parliament and Assembly elections.

Pertinently, JDA demolished over 12 shops in Muthi Phase-2 quarters in Jammu on Thursday. The Kashmiri Pandit shopkeepers claimed that no prior notices were served to them.

“We proceeded with the demolition drive as land has to be handed over to the successful bidder for the construction of 208 flats for economically weaker sections,” JDA Vice Chairman said. [KNT]