Suhail Khan
The President Municipal Committee (MC) Baramulla, Touseef Raina, has confirmed that JCB machines will only be used for developmental work and not for the proposed demolition drive. Raina also urged the people of Bla not to worry about the upcoming demolition drive, as it will not make people suffer.
As per Kashmir Despatch Correspondent last month, Raina welcomed the drive and insisted that the big fishes involved in the encroachment of land should not be spared at any cost. However, he appealed to the government to provide relaxation to people from the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category found in the list of encroachers.
“The government should make sure the anti-encroachment drive does not hurt the poor and disadvantaged,” Raina said.
Raina’s statement came after he had urged Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, to ensure that the interests of the poor people are not hurt in the proposed demolition drive.
The proposed drive has caused concern among residents in Baramulla and other parts of Jammu and Kashmir, as they fear that it could lead to the demolition of their homes and businesses. However, Raina’s assurance that JCB machines will only be used for developmental work has brought some relief to the locals.
The JCB machines are commonly used for construction and excavation work, but they can also be used for demolition. However, Raina has made it clear that in Bla, JCB machines will only be used for developmental work and not for the demolition drive.

Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.