"Message sent to anti-social elements": BJP leader Ram Lal Sharma on Chomu demolition drive

Guwahati (Assam) [India], January 2 (ANI): BJP leader Ram Lal Sharma condemned the stone-pelting incident and described the demolition drive by the administration in Chomu as a message against illegal encroachments in the state.
Speaking to ANI on Friday, he referred to those involved in building illegal structures in the Chomu municipality despite court orders, as well as those who pelted stones at officials, as 'anti-social' elements.
He emphasised that the demolition drive was necessary to demonstrate that the rule of law governs the state and that those who broke the law would face the consequences.
"People were carrying out illegal encroachment despite court orders, and stones were also pelted at officials. Therefore, the administration identified all the illegal encroachments and took action. The demolition drive is a message to those anti-social elements that Rajasthan is governed by law and order, and not a 'jungle raj', and anyone who breaks the law will have to bear the consequences," he said.
Following the bulldozer action carried out by the Municipal Council and administration at Imam Chowk in Chomu on Friday, residents of the area offered prayers at the Pathanan Mosque.
A heavy police force was also deployed during this time. Although everything was reported to be back to normal following the demolition, residents have expressed mixed reactions to the action. Some locals supported the administration's action but objected to all the people in the area being labelled as stone-pelters, while others called it a political conspiracy.
A resident, Shahid Pathan from Imam Chowk, supported the drive, saying the action taken is correct. "Illegal constructions cause inconvenience to people. Unauthorised butcher shops and meat shops operating here without licences create problems for the public and spread filth. Therefore, this action is right," he said.
Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa on Friday said the state government would take strict action against those who disturb the peace and spread violence.
"Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has taken strict action against those anti-social elements in Chomu who took the law into their own hands and spread unrest. This bulldozer action is not against anyone; it is in support of the law. There is a zero-tolerance policy in Rajasthan for those who disturb the peace and spread violence. Those who tamper with the state's law and order will not be spared. The government, while prioritising the security, peace, and trust of ordinary citizens, is taking strict action and will continue to do so." Bairwa said.
In Chomu town of Jaipur district, the local administration on Friday demolished illegal structures allegedly built by individuals involved in the recent violence during an anti-encroachment drive near a mosque.
The action comes days after police arrested several accused, including those identified as rioters who had pelted stones in the area.
Rajesh Gupta, ADCP, Jaipur West, stated that the municipal council initiated the action to clear illegal constructions in the area.
"Police have been deployed here to maintain law and order. Notices were issued to 19-20 individuals, and demolition is underway against those who encroached. Action is also being taken against individuals who resorted to violence during the process on the day the stone pelting incident happened," he said. (ANI)