Stop eviction of villagers, SC panel directs Punjab
Darpan News Desk IANS, 18 May, 2022 09:51 AM
Chandigarh, May 18 (IANS) Taking note of the Punjab government's decision for issuing eviction orders against Scheduled Caste residents in Ludhiana district, who are living there since independence, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) Chairman Vijay Sampla on Wednesday issued a notice and asked the state to reply in 15 days.
Besides, the NCSC also asked the government to stop the eviction drive and maintain status quo.
In a complaint to the NCSC, residents of Bhama Kalan village said they have possession of 200 acres in the village since 1947.
"Since 1947, we are utilising the land for agricultural and residential purposes. We have electricity and water connection, besides other government identification documents on these addressees.
"But now, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government is asking us to immediately vacate the land. This is not justified as the children have to attend the local school. We can't vacate the land and shift our elderly people, especially those who are unwell. We request the NCSC to please help us and protect our land," the villagers rued.
However, invoking relevant clause Section (7) of the rules of procedures of the commission, the NCSC asked the state Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police, the Deputy Commissioner of Ludhiana and the SSP to maintain the status quo until the matter is pending.
The NCSC warned the officers that no Scheduled Caste should be forced to vacate the land and if found otherwise, the commission will take necessary action against the erring officers as per the Prevention of Atrocities Act of 1989, as amended from time to time.
Citing the recent heavy influx of weapons, hand grenades, and IEDs into the state, with Pakistan's ISI also raising the ante ahead of the Independence Day and in the run-up to the Assembly polls, he told Shah at a meeting here this evening that the security situation was grave and needed the Centre's immediate intervention.
For the first time, a footage of a terror launch pad with active terrorists visible has been accessed. The proof shows that Pakistan is using the time to wage a proxy war against India.
A day after senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal hosted dinner for leaders cutting across party lines, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Tuesday held a similar event for party MPs and leaders from Punjab.
In continuation of the wet spell and flooding, fairly widespread to widespread rainfall with isolated heavy falls very likely to continue over east Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Gangetic West Bengal during next 4-5 days.
The exchange of fire took place on Sunday when the CTD personnel carried out an intelligence-based coordinated raid in the Ferozewala area of Lahore, Xinhua news agency quoted the DEpartment as saying.
