Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday broke his silence on the controversial demolition drive undertaken by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA), criticising officials for acting without the consent of the elected government. His remarks came a day after JDA teams demolished a residential house in Jammu, sparking widespread political and social outrage.
The demolished house belonged to the father of a local media professional, prompting strong reactions from political leaders, civil society groups, and social organisations. Representatives from various parties visited the site and condemned the operation, alleging that officials acted arbitrarily and without proper communication.
Omar Abdullah, responding to the controversy, said officers were conducting demolition drives “without seeking consent from the elected government.” He questioned the administration’s accountability and warned that unchecked bureaucratic authority posed serious concerns for governance in the Union Territory.
The Chief Minister emphasised that while laws must be upheld, actions that impact livelihoods or displace families should only be taken with complete transparency and in consultation with elected representatives. He added that decisions involving people’s homes must not be taken hastily or without humanitarian consideration.
Political observers note that the episode has drawn significant attention not only because of the involvement of a journalist’s family, but also due to broader concerns over administrative overreach in Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, the affected family has sought justice and demanded an impartial inquiry into the circumstances leading to the demolition.
