SC to hear tomorrow Panther Party's PIL against J

New Delhi, Jul 3 (UNI) The Supreme Court will hear tomorrow a PIL filed by Panther's Party Chief Bhim Singh challenging the decision of the Jammu and Kashmir government dated July 1 withdrawing the allotment of forest land to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board as illegal and unconstitutional since the government had been reduced to a minority following the withdrawal of PDP's support.

The petitioner has also alleged that the curfew imposed in Jammu region by the state government had led to total chaos causing untold miseries and hardships to the people of Jammu region and to the stranded pilgrims who were not even getting supply of water and essential commodities.

According to the petitioner, the curfew had been imposed to harass and target a particular community in the state.

The petitioner also sought directions to the state government as well as security forces to provide transport facility to thousands of stranded pilgrims so that they could reach their destination.

Azad government had withdrawn its earlier decision to allot 28.3 hectares of forest land to Amarnath Shrine Board following violent agitation in Kashmir valley.

PDP also withdrew support reducing the Congress government in the state to a minority which was later directed by the state Governor to prove its majority on the floor of the house on July 5.

A vacation bench comprising Justices Altamas Kabir and G S Singhvi agreed to hear the petition tomorrow when it was mentioned by Mr Bhim Singh today before the bench for urgent hearing.

The petitioner has also demanded adequate compensation for the victims of police action in Jammu.

UNI RB SC SY RK2135