Disturbing reports of land grabbing, encroachments and illegal constructions continue to pour day in and day out. This malady is continuing with tacit political patronage and active connivance of the officials at various levels. Whenever half hearted efforts are made to remove the encroachments on the State land, one or the other political actor or outfit chips in to foil the drive. As a result, several colonies and mini habitations have come up in Jammu periphery, enjoying all the amenities including power and drinking water. Nobody has explanation how these facilities are provided in illegal Bastis, which ultimately flourish as posh colonies.
Is it a matter of pride or shame for the government agencies to harass the law abiding citizens by disconnecting their power and water connections for want of requisite formalities while ensuring law breakers to enjoy ‘facilities’ as a matter of their birth-right?