Bulldozer justice? J&K LG says houses of those providing shelter to terrorists will be 'razed to ground'

NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said that the houses of those providing shelter to the terrorists would be "razed to ground," hinting at bulldozer justice. The comments come in sharp contrast to Supreme Court's observations that had said that mere involvement in crime would not be a ground to take action.

"I have directed the forces not to harm any innocent but the culprits will not be spared. If anyone provides shelter to terrorists, then his house will be razed to the ground. There will be no compromise on it," the LG said amid rise in terror incidents in the valley.

"However, this is not an atrocity, but a demand for justice and such justice will continue," he added.

Last month, the apex court had pulled up the UP, MP and the Rajasthan government over incidents of razing property of those involved in crimes saying, "We will clarify that demolition can't be carried out merely because someone is an accused or convict."

Sinha, without taking any names, criticised those who issue statements condemning such acts for "formality".

"If people do not stand up against such elements, this scenario will never change. I think those who only issue statements for formality are worse than them (terrorists)," the LG said.

"Our neighbour is trying, but it does not worry us. It is the people here who are doing it on its directions (that is a cause of concern). It is not just the job of the security forces and the administration but the people as well to identify such people," he added.

Meanwhile, an encounter between security forces and terrorists broke out in the Ketsun forest area of Bandipora on Tuesday, with an exchange of fire ongoing at the scene.