Baramulla, Aug 1, KNT: Deputy Commissioner Baramulla has sought an explanation from Tehsildar Tangmarg for allegedly failing to act against encroachers who reportedly occupied around 10 kanals of government land in Mulagam Kunzar area of Tangmarg despite directions for action.
According to reports and local sources, influential workers affiliated with the Democratic Party Nationalist (DPN) allegedly occupied the land and erected shops and residential structures on it.
The alleged encroachment has triggered concern among local Panchayat representatives who claim repeated pleas for intervention by revenue authorities failed to yield results.
Sarpanch Mulagam Tangmarg Ghulam Rasool Shah alleged that the occupants enjoyed political patronage and that attempts by the Panchayat to stop the constructions were met with intimidation and resistance.
“These people threatened us with serious consequences when we tried to intervene,” Shah said.
He further alleged that he personally received a threatening letter written on the letterhead of Hizbul Mujahideen after raising the issue with authorities.
Shah claimed that despite informing concerned officials about the threats, no effective action followed.
The Sarpanch alleged that local revenue officials faced pressure and were reluctant to proceed against the alleged encroachers.
According to Shah, the matter was first brought to the notice of Naib Tehsildar and Tehsildar Tangmarg, but construction activity continued.
A revenue official, requesting anonymity, said official records identified the land as government property and not privately owned land.
Reports said local Panchayat members later approached Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, who directed the Assistant Commissioner to examine the matter.
Subsequently, Tehsildar Tangmarg was reportedly instructed to probe the issue and initiate demolition of allegedly unauthorized constructions.
Shah alleged that officials privately expressed inability to act because of external pressure.
The matter was later taken to Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, who reportedly ordered speedy inquiry and immediate de-occupation of the government land.
Despite these directions, locals alleged that no concrete action had been initiated.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla has sought clarification from Tehsildar Tangmarg regarding non-execution of official directions.
Reports said the explanation had not been submitted at the time of filing this report.
When contacted, Tehsildar Tangmarg said he was on leave and declined comment on the issue.
Muhammad Akbar, identified by locals as an aide of the Agriculture Minister, declined to comment and advised this correspondent to consult revenue officials.
Naib Tehsildar Tangmarg Farooq Ahmad said nobody would be allowed to occupy government land. [KNT]
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