CHANDIGARH: While taking a strong notice against the Punjab Government for issuing eviction orders against the schedule caste people of Bhama Kalan village of Ludhiana district, who are living there since independence, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) Chairman Vijay Sampla issued a notice to the state government on Wednesday and asked them to submit a reply in 15 days.
Besides, NCSC also asked the Punjab government to immediately stop the eviction drive in Punjab and maintain the Status Quo.
In a complaint to NCSC, SCs of Bhama Kalan, said that they have possession of 200 acres of land in the village since 1947. “Since 1947, we are utilizing the land for agricultural and residential purposes. We have electricity & water connection, Voter Card, Adhaar Card, Ratio Card and 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 of villagers have to attend the local school while events like marriages, deaths and births, are also scheduled in houses of many. 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 further said.
However, invoking relevant clause Section (7) of the rules of procedures of the commission, NCSC asked Chief Secretary, Government of Punjab; the Director General of Police, Punjab Police; the Deputy Commissioner (District Ludhiana) and the SSP (District Ludhiana), to maintain the status quo until the matter is under consideration of the commission.
NCSC warned the officers that no SC should be forced to vacate the land and if found otherwise, the Commission will take necessary action against the officers as per Prevention of Atrocities Act (POA) 1989, as amended from time to time.