SC/ST/OBC Organisations Condemn Threats Against Tara Chand, Demand Swift Police Intervention
Jammu, 07-10-2024: The Joint Action Committee of SC, ST, and OBC organizations held a press conference condemning the threats made against Sh. Tara Chand, former Speaker and Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir is currently contesting as an assembly candidate from the 82-Chhamb constituency. The committee called for the immediate arrest of the accused individuals who threatened his life.
According to the press conference, the incident occurred on October 1, 2024, between 8:00 pm and 8:30 pm at Sh. Tara Chand’s residence in Chak Malal, Tehsil Khour, District Jammu. Five individuals reportedly arrived at the residence, with three of them entering the room where Sh. Tara Chand and his supporters were present. They attempted to lure him outside, intending to harm him, but with the intervention of his supporters, the assailants fled the scene.
The committee noted that a written complaint had been submitted to the Chief Election Commissioner and copied to the ADGP, seeking the immediate arrest of the culprits. However, despite the seriousness of the situation, the committee expressed frustration that no action has been taken so far. They emphasized the need for justice for Sh. Tara Chand and stressed the importance of arresting the accused without further delay.
Speakers at the press conference highlighted that Sh. Tara Chand, being a member of the Scheduled Caste community, was particularly targeted by the criminals, which they described as an attack on democracy itself. They urged all politicians, regardless of party affiliation, to condemn such acts that undermine democratic processes and threaten public safety.
The Joint Action Committee expressed their strong resentment against the police authorities, including the SHO, SDPO, and SSP of Jammu, for failing to apprehend the accused. They called upon the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor and the Director General of Police (DGP) of Jammu and Kashmir to intervene personally and ensure justice is delivered to Sh. Tara Chand and his family, remain under threat.
The committee warned that if a leader of Sh. Tara Chand’s stature—a former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Deputy Chief Minister, Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader, and the current working president of the Congress Party—faces such threats, it raises serious concerns about the safety of ordinary citizens in Jammu and Kashmir.
Those who addressed and attended the press conference included Jenab Inqiavi Saheb, Retd Deputy Commissioner; S Lakhvir Singh, Working President of All India Backward Classes Union; Mohd Latif Qureshi, Chairman of AIBCU; Bansi Lal Choudhary, State Coordinator of OBC Mahasabha; Sham Lal Basson, President of All J&K Dalit Chetna Manch; Mohinder Bhagat, President of All J&K Bhagat Mahasabha Sabha Jammu; Kewal Krishan Fotra, President of All J&K Sain Samaj Sabha; Er Joginder Pal, President of All J&K Retd SC/ST Employees Forum; Narinder Dutt Bhagat, President of All J&K Megh Sabha; Balwant Kataria, State General Secretary of All India Backward Classes Federation; Prof G L Thapa; Bahadur Lal, Ex-President of Saryara Sabha Bahu Fort, Jammu; Sham Lal, President of All J&K Barbala Sabha; D R Angral, President of All J&K Ambedkar Welfare Forum; Sunita Bangotra, President of All J&K Savitri Bal Phule Mahila Sangathan; Er R C Bhasin, Chairman of SGRDS, Bishnah; Lokinder Singh Ravi, Retd ADG GSI; Janak Raj Thapa, Retd ADG GSI; Bagh Ali, President of Mohalla Welfare Committee Shahbad Basti; Capt Ashok Kumar, General Secretary of SGRDS Chhanni Rama; Mohd Ashraf, Gujjar Leader and Social Activist; D D Mehra, President of Mohalla Welfare Committee New JDA Colony; Ashok Thapa, President of SGRDS Babliana Ekta Vihar; Ramesh Chander, President of SGRDS Gangyal; Raj Kumar Chalotra, Spokesperson of AIBCU; T O Bavouria, Retd Dy Secretary; Er Darshan Kalsotra, Retd Xen; Prem Chand, President of Mohalla Welfare Committee Pacca Talab; Brij Mohan Mehra, State President of All India Kashyap Mahasangh; M R Bangotra, Retd CEO; B R Banalia, Retd Inspector; R L Bangotra, Retd MDO; K K Bhagat; Geeta Devi, Ex-Panch; Banarsi Lal, Ex-President of SGRDS Chhanni Rama; Krishan Lal, Retd Inspector; GL Rahi, noted writer; Yash Paul; Rakesh Menia; Kuldeep Fouji, Ex-President of SGRDS Chhanni Rama; Vikas Kalsi, Vice President of SGRDS Bahu Fort Jammu; Charan Dass Shivgotra, Retd Dy Administrator; Kamal Kalsotra; Er Madan Lal Basson; Shakir Choudhary; Nitin Kanotra; Kali Dass, Ex-Sarpanch; Mohd Manir Mughal, President of Pirpanchal Range Budhal; Inder Pal Singh, Ex-Sarpanch; Hoshyar Chand, Tehsil President of Barbala Sabha; Gafoor Ahmed, Block President of Scheduled Tribe; Capt Mohan Lal; Kasturi Lal, Retd ZEO; Girdari Lal, Retd Principal; Kunj Lal, Retd Employee; Bhagat Ram, Chairman; Des Raj Sangral; Milkhi Ram; Bodh Raj; Gourav Ravidasia; Pappi Ji from Ploura, and others.
Additionally, several other leaders and activists representing various welfare committees and social organizations expressed their support, denounced the attack, and called for immediate action to uphold democratic values and ensure the safety of all citizens. The committee reaffirmed its commitment to standing by Sh. Tara Chand urged authorities to act swiftly to prevent further escalation of the situation.
