National pistol shooting coach Samaresh Jung, who helped Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh win bronze medals at the Paris Olympics, returned home to find that his house is scheduled for demolition in just two days. Jung received the notice along with other residents in the Khyber Pass locality of Civil Lines, Delhi. The Land and Development Office (LNDO) issued the notice, claiming that the land belongs to the Ministry of Defence and is therefore illegal.
Confusion and urgency
Jung expressed confusion and frustration, stating he didn’t understand why the demolition is happening so suddenly. The notice was issued late, giving residents only two days to vacate. Jung’s family has lived in the area since the 1950s, and their court petition against the demolition was rejected. He finds it difficult to pack up and leave on such short notice.
Social media appeal
Jung, who has won multiple medals in international competitions, took to social media to express his distress. He was shocked by the abruptness of the demolition notice, especially after celebrating Indian shooters’ Olympic success. He called for at least two months to vacate and appealed for clarity on the demolition plan.
Legal background
The Delhi High Court ruled on July 9 that the land originally belonged to the Ministry of Defence. Residents were initially given until July 4 to vacate, but this was challenged. The court allowed the demolition to proceed on July 3, provided proper procedures were followed. In the final ruling on July 9, the court found that petitioners had not provided proof of land ownership.
