AJAY SHARMA
Jammu Tawi, November 24: A distressed shopkeeper from Bhamla village in Pouni tehsil of Reasi district has issued a grave warning, stating he will be forced to take an “extreme step” if the Jammu Kashmir Excise Department does not return his shop, which he alleges has been under its occupation for the past five years.
Govind Ram, the shop owner, said the Excise Department seized his rented out shop half a decade ago and has consistently refused to vacate it or offer any explanation, despite his repeated pleas.
The shop, originally rented out for a liquor contractor in Bhamla Panchayat, was supposedly shifted to a different location. However, Govind Ram says the department continues to occupy his original premises without any justification or compensation.
“For the past five years, my shop has been illegally occupied by the Excise Department. I have approached every concerned authority, but no one is ready to help. If my shop is not returned, I will take an extreme step right in front of this very shop,” he warned. He added that the responsibility for any untoward incident would rest solely on the Excise Department.
He further alleged that the department neither pays him rent nor vacates the premises, even though the shop is his only source of livelihood.
“The Excise Department is using my shop as a store. They come, take out whatever they need, and then lock it again,” Govind Ram said. “Every time I request them to return my shop, they assure me it will be done within a week — but five years have passed.”
When contacted, the concerned Excise and Taxation Officer (ETO) said the case file has been prepared and forwarded to the office of the Excise Commissioner in Jammu for further action.
The shopkeeper has now appealed to the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir and the Lieutenant Governor for immediate intervention to deliver justice and restore his only means of sustenance.
