Park’s Ment For People, Taken Over by Security

Nitesh Sangral

JAMMU, Parks were meant to serve people, but in Jammu they have become security camps, thanks to high and mighty, who have allowed their protectors to set up tents in the public parks. Most of the parks have been taken over by the men in khaki, who guard the politicians, bureaucrats and senior officials of different departments, residing in different areas of city and its outskirts. Taking a tour of various localities, one can see the open encroachment of the public places forcing common people to avoid these parks. However despite many complainst from the people, pleas have fell to deaf ears as so consideration is being given to clear the encroached parks. It is pertinent to mention here, that government has provided the security to senior and higher level officials for their safety but security personals has occupied the public park and set up their tents besides other bathrooms. On the condition of anonymity, some residents of the locality particular females alleged that at time they feel harassed. "They sometimes pass comments which make it difficult for us to move closer to the area. We are avoiding morning and evening walks in parks due to this", said a female morning walker. They said that we registered several written letter to concerned departments including Jammu Development Authority (JDA), Floriculture and even District Deputy Commissioner (DDC) Office, but these departments have not done any thing till now. They further added that there is a shortage of public parks in the city for refreshing themselves and reduce burden of stress and tension but now they are occupied by the security personnel. According to officials' sources, the security personal should accommodate in the house of the concern officer but they are staying outside their homes and put up their tents in public places. According to reports, a lot of prominent persons included former MLC, MLA, Retired bureaucrats and senior police officials are residing in the areas of Gandhi Nagar, Channi Himmat, Greater Kailash, Trikuta Nagar, Sainik Colony and city outskirts and their security guards have covered park. When contacted, Director Floriculture, K K Sharma said that they have many times forwarded the written complaints to the concerned authorities about the occupation of parks which is totally unauthorized but still they do not take any action against them. He also added during the time of maintenance of these parks, the security personnel do not cooperate with them which further create many problems for us. While talking to this correspondent, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Security, Sheikh Ahmed Beig, admitted this was illegal and said that the residing arrangements for security persons to be arranged by the concerned VIP. He added that due to the shortage of the area they reside in the nearby parks or plots and to save the life of these high officers.