Shimla-Dharamshala Highway, which is known for its breathtaking views and hilly beauty, has become the center of a unique controversy these days. The highway has once again been blocked with stones. The special thing is that there is no big organization or group behind this controversy, but the name of only one person is coming to the fore – Rajan Kant Sharma. Come, let us understand this entire controversy in detail.
Who is Rajkant Sharma?
This is not the first time that Rajankant Sharma has disrupted the Shimla-Dharamshala highway. A few months ago, they had protested by placing cots on the highway. Even before this, he had expressed his displeasure by setting up a temporary shop on the highway.
Rajankanth doing this again and again raises a question for the people – why is he doing this? There is a big reason behind his action. According to him, it is all related to their land dispute and the attitude of the administration.
What is the demand of Rajkant Sharma?
Rajankant Sharma claims that his mother, Sita Sharma, has 8 biswas of land in her name on the Shimla-Dharamshala highway. He says that during the search conducted in 2023, this land was found in his mother’s name. However, the administration has not yet given them compensation for this land.
Rajankanth demands:
- The administration should give them proper compensation for their land.
- If compensation cannot be given, then they should be given land for a shop.
- The land should be given back so that they can use it themselves.
However, their demands have been ignored by the administration, due to which they are forced to close the highway again and again.
How did this controversy start?
This dispute started in 2022 when the administration took action to remove illegal encroachment on Shimla-Dharamshala National Highway in Mangrot area of Bilaspur. Rajankant had set up one of his kiosks on the highway, which the administration ordered to remove.
Even after this, Rajankanth again set up a kiosk on the highway claiming his land. The administration again conducted the survey in 2023, in which 12 biswas of land was found in the name of Rajankant’s mother.
Role and current status of administration
The attitude of the administration in the case of Rajkant Sharma is questionable.
- Compensation issue: The administration has not yet paid compensation to Rajankant or his mother.
- Lack of agreement: The administration did not even give them the option of giving them land to set up a shop.
- Legal implications: The problem continues due to non-settlement of the disputed land.
Lessons for society and administration
This case shows how costly ignoring land disputes can be. The general public has faced a lot of problems due to Rajankant repeatedly blocking the highway. The administration should take timely action in such cases, so that the balance between public and personal interests can be maintained.
This dispute on Shimla-Dharamshala highway has not only raised questions on the working style of the administration, but has also shown how far a person can go for the rights of his land. Unless this dispute is resolved, even these pleasant valleys will not be free from the shadow of this tension.
