Local Indians appeal against Demolition of Tibetan Houses in Dharamsala TIBET STREET JOURNAL (TSJ) Sept 30, 2013: Amid an impending threat of the demolition of their homes by the local government authorities under an order of the state High Court, The members of local Indian civil society in Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala, have appealed against the demolition of houses. The court’s order is based on the finding that the Tibetan homes are encroachments on land belonging to the country’s forest department. Tibetans have been living in those homes since the 1960s. A joint appeal was made to the Deputy Commissioner on Friday against the proposed demolition drive. The appeal was made by various local civil society, which includes Indo-Tibetan Friendship Association, Beopar Mandal, Hotel and Restaurant Association, Bhagsu Taxi Union, Auto Union, Trekking and Mountaineering Association and Upper Dharamshala Development Association. Courts in India, including the Supreme Court, have in the past stayed demolitions of homes on ground of the right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the constitution even to non-citizens. In the case of Tibetans, the relevant state law bars them from buying land or building properties unless he or she is an Indian citizen belonging to the state. The exile Tibetan administration has appreciated the support shown by the local Indian groups. “The Central Tibetan Administration highly appreciates the solidarity and genuine support shown by Indian friends in our hour of need,” the exile administration’s report Sep 28 quoted Home Minister, Kalon Dolma Gyari as saying. The homes set for demolition constitute the bulk of the Tibetan community at Dharamsala, which has become a tourist magnate due to its popularity as the residence of the Dalai Lama.
Posted on: Mon, 30 Sep 2013 09:09:55 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015