Public outrage erupts in J-K's Kathua as JCB crushes vendor's cart despite pleas

Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir: The thoroughfares of Kathua resonated with resentment when an incident surfaced of a JCB demolishing a vendor's cart despite fervent pleas, igniting a widespread outcry. The atmosphere was already tense, with locals protesting the administration's demolition drive.

The demolition drive took a distressing turn when a JCB crane razed a vegetable seller who valiantly attempted to rescue his cart. Despite the seller's persistent requests to spare his livelihood, the JCB ultimately crushed the cart, evoking strong objections from bystanders who opposed the administration's decision to destroy the meager means of a struggling vegetable seller.

The drive, part of the administration's effort to make city encroachment-free, continued on the third day as the municipal team carried on with the campaign. 

On Wednesday, the team initiated the campaign from GMC Associates Hospital and cleared all illegal encroachments up to Kalibadi area of Kathua.  During this drive, as many handcarts, stalls, and sheds were seen on the road, all of which were loaded onto government vehicles by the JCB.

Several structures were also demolished by the JCB. During the two-hour operation, action was taken against around 15 sheds and handcarts, said municipal officials adding that this campaign will persist until the city is entirely free of encroachments.

Fears of action led to self-removal of encroachments

Early Wednesday morning, the Municipal Corporation warned those encroaching from GMC Hospital to Kalibadi area that a team would arrive there at afternoon. Subsequently, chaos ensued on the entire route. People hurriedly placed permanent stalls and handcarts by the roadside, but many were not warned in time. 

Consequently, their belongings and handcarts were confiscated by the administration, and structures were demolished, while goods from several shops were also seized.

People demand relocation to alternative places

People who had set up small food stalls and handcarts, said that they had been supporting their families by running stalls or handcarts for the past 10-12 years. Now, they have lost their livelihoods. They wondered how they would sustain their families. People appealed to the municipal corporation to provide them with space elsewhere so that they could continue supporting their families.

Anti-encroachment drive to continue: Local body

Municipal Corporation's Chief Executive Officer, Jodhraj said that people have been asked to remove encroachments for the past three months, but they haven't complied. Consequently, the city is facing traffic congestion. He said that the campaign against encroachments will continue in various parts of the city until it becomes encroachment-free.