The CM also characterised the demolition as removal of encroachments, criticising Vijayan’s ‘bulldozer justice’ statement as “politically motivated” and lacking understanding of the situation. (File photo)
In the wake of Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s remarks on the recent eviction of settlers in Bengaluru’s Kogilu Layout, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Saturday said the demolished structures were illegal, makeshift shelters at a waste dump site.
Stating that the area was not suitable for human habitation, Siddaramaiah said in a statement on social media, “Despite issuing notices on multiple occasions directing the families to relocate, the residents failed to comply. Under these circumstances, it became unavoidable to clear the encroachment and vacate the site.”
Adding that most of the residents were migrant workers and not locals, the CM said that the Greater Bengaluru Authority commissioner had been instructed to arrange temporary shelter, food and other facilities on humanitarian grounds. The CM also characterised the demolition as removal of encroachments, criticising Vijayan’s ‘bulldozer justice’ statement as “politically motivated” and lacking understanding of the situation.
However, Pooja, a member of the Dhudiyuva Janara Vedike (a citizens’ forum that assists marginalised groups), said, “No notice was given to the people (before the demolition). No member of the community knew about it… the marshal came with JCBs and asked people to remove gas stoves and cylinders from their houses without giving them time to take out their belongings.”
She added, “They came early in the morning, knowing that if the media came to know, the process could get halted. They came at 6 am to do this… the residents have been here for a long time. Many have been here for more than 10 years, some for more than 20-30 years. The families are now living under the open sky.”
Activists also stated that the response from the government came only after the statement by Vijayan and a visit to the demolition spot by Kerala CPI(M) MP A A Rahim.
About 188 families were evicted from Faqir Colony and Wasim Layout in Kogilu Layout, a large number of these being impoverished Muslim families.