The historic city of Jaisalmer witnessed a significant public demonstration on Monday as a large crowd gathered under the banner of the Sarv Samaj Sangharsh Samiti. The protest was directed against alleged encroachments on municipal properties, which protesters claim are being illegally claimed as Waqf board land.
March to the Collectorate and Core Demands
Participants marched through the city streets, culminating at the district collectorate. Here, they formally submitted a detailed memorandum addressed to the collector. The document outlined several critical demands from the protesting citizens.
The memorandum called for strict legal action against all individuals named in a recent First Information Report (FIR) related to the encroachment issue. It also demanded that the municipal council receive effective legal representation in ongoing land dispute cases. Furthermore, protesters insisted on the immediate removal of all encroachments from municipal lands and the establishment of a temporary police post at a specific disputed site to prevent future incidents.
The Immediate Trigger: Re-encroachment of 11 Bighas
The protest was sparked by a specific recent incident. According to the protesters, 11 bighas of municipal land near Gadisar Chowraha on the Jaisalmer-Barmer road became the center of renewed controversy. This land had been cleared of encroachment by the municipal council approximately a year prior.
However, late on Friday night before the protest, new signs from the Waqf board and what were described as fake graves were allegedly installed on the plot. In response, a municipal team removed the boards the following morning. The authorities also lodged an FIR at the Kotwali police station. The complaint named district Waqf board president Nawabuddin and others.
Broader Concerns and Community Unrest
Advocate Lalu Singh Sodha, representing the protestors, stated in the memorandum that anti-social elements were repeatedly encroaching upon public land under the pretext of Waqf claims. He cited incidents of commotion and confrontation at the site, evidence of which had circulated on social media and in local newspapers.
The protesters expressed that these repeated attempts were fostering a sense of unrest and insecurity within the community, particularly among Hindu residents. Beyond the immediate case, they raised wider issues. Their demands included a comprehensive survey to properly identify and demarcate all genuine Waqf lands in Jaisalmer. They argued this was necessary to prevent misuse and what they termed "land jihad."
Additionally, they sought action against any Waqf properties that were allegedly being used for commercial purposes instead of religious ones, as mandated by law.
Prominent Local Support
The demonstration saw participation from several respected local figures, indicating broad-based community concern. Notable attendees included Sant Narayan Bharti, Amritlal Daiya, Natwar Vyas, and Nathuram Bheel, among others. Their presence underscored the significance of the issue for the residents of Jaisalmer.
The event highlights growing tensions over land use and ownership in the region, with citizens calling for transparent administration and strict enforcement of property laws to maintain public order.
