Samaresh Jung, the national pistol shooting coach who guided Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh to bronze medals at the Paris Olympic found out that his house would be broken down within two days.
A former Olympian, Jung received a notice together with other dwellers of Khyber Pass locality in Civil Lines area.
According to them, the said land which accommodates Khyber Pass colony belonged to Ministry of Defense as stated in their notice served by Land and Development office and is hence illegal.
Speaking to Parami News, the Arjuna Awardee expressed his shock about this move towards demolishing his home.
“I know nothing about these people’s plan. They say all of it is not legal….In 1950s my family started living here since then they have lived for 75 years. We went to court but our petition was rejected,” he said while speaking with Parami News.
They were told to leave within two days
“We only want time, because you declare today that tomorrow we vacate the house and go away,” Jung answered back.
Thursday evening saw Samaresh take to social media platforms feeling disappointed after receiving an abrupt demolition notice from Land & Development Office giving only two days’ notice for evacuation.
On Thursday night, Samaresh posted on X saying that “After the euphoria of Indian shooters winning two Olympic medals, I, the team coach, just returned home from the Olympics to the disheartening news that my house and locality is to be demolished in 2 days.”
Jung who participated in Beijing 2008 Games as well as becoming an Asian Game’s bronze medalist accused India Olympic Association (IOA) via Twitter feed demanding a dignified exit along with “at least 2 months” notification period regarding vacationing off premises.
@LDO_GoI makes a haphazard announcement of demolition with a notice of 2 days without any clarity of the exact area to be demolished is shocking. “Moreover, there has been no proper information or notice. How can families living here since 75 years vacate in 2 days?” he said.
“Being an Olympian and Arjuna Awardee, least I expect, along with community, is a dignified exit. I appeal for clarity on the matter and at least 2 months to vacate properly,” Jung concluded.
He also tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Indian Olympic Association chief PT Usha, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar as well as Gagan Narang-the Vice President IOA and fellow shooter who is currently serving as the Chef de Mission for the Indian contingent in Paris.
In a legal committee hearing on this case that started last month till today when this article was published the demolition drive at Khyber Pass in Delhi’s Civil Lines area has gone through different court processes. The Delhi High Court’s judgment of July 9 had stated that it was originally under Defence Ministry control.
A notice was served to the residents of that area on July 1 requiring them to leave the premises by July 4. However, this notice was disputed and an emergency hearing took place on July 3 where the court allowed the demolitions as long as certain formalities were followed.
The final hearing was held on July 9 whereupon the court reached a verdict that there were no proofs provided by the claimants concerning their entitlement over this land.
