Protests in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar against 'eviction drive', five arrested in Jammu

Jammu and Kashmir Awami Awaz Party supporters stage a protest against the new land law policy, in Srinagar on Monday. ANI Photo

Awami Awaz Party on Monday held a protest against the eviction drive launched by the Jammu and Kashmir Administration to free the state land from illegal occupation.

Carrying placards, dozens of activists of the party assembled at the Maisuma market to register their anger against the eviction drive. The placards read "Kindly let us live peacefully" and "India is not Israel."

Party leader Nadeem Ahmad said the LG administration should stop the demolition drive which has badly affected the poor people.

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"Who were affected by the demolition drive at Mehjoor Nagar yesterday? Was there any rich and influential person? They are poor people who are living hand to mouth," Ahmad told reporters.

He said if the government did not reconsider its eviction drive, the consequences would be very serious.

"Is Kashmir not for the people of Kashmir? You are giving land to outsiders while making Kashmiris homeless," he added.

Meanwhile, five people were arrested and four detained in connection with stone pelting during an anti-encroachment drive in Jammu last week, police said on Monday.

Three policemen were injured in the stone pelting that took place on Saturday during the drive to demolish a vehicle showroom built on encroached land in Malik Market in Narwal bypass area, they said.

The owner of the showroom, Sajad Ahmed Beigh, is among those arrested, according to police.

"We have arrested five people and detained four others in connection with stone pelting that took place during an anti-encroachment drive here," a senior police officer told PTI.

They are being questioned at Trikuta Nagar police station, officials said.

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