Press Statement by Former MLA Shri Karan Singh Tanwar

Senior B.J.P. Leader, Delhi State, Vice Chairman, NDMC and Former MLA Shri Karan Singh Tanwar through press conference attracted the attention of the Hon’ble Prime Minister towards the illegal seizure of ancient Shri Hanuman Mandir situated in the civilian area of Gopi Nath Bazar, Delhi Cantt., on the gun point, by Brig. Jai Singh, Station Commander, Delhi Cantt.  and simultaneously cutting of a large number of green trees of Nicholson Range arbitrarily and its disposal / sale  and further on highlighting this illegal and  arbitrary action, banning entry of Shri Tanwar issued  by the Station Commander.

High-lighting the atrocities of Station Commander Brig. Jai Singh, Shri Tanwar stated that Brig. Jai Singh has created terror in the entire civilian’s area. The ancient Hanuman Mandir was built by the civilian population more than 80 years ago in the heart of Gopi Nath Bazar. On the night of 2nd May 2016 around 3 a.m., the Priest and all others present in the temple were forced to quit out of the temple at gun point and possession was handed over to the Military personnel. Neither the civilians were allowed to enter in the temple nor any kind of religious activity viz. Kirtan by ladies including bhandaras and other religious works were allowed to be performed. The management of Temple is with the Military Officers, who are managing the day to day affairs of the Mandir and according to them worshipping in the temple will be allowed only according to military rules & regulations. Civilian’s entry is almost banned in the temple. In addition to

this the charge of cutting of  30,000 valuable trees of species of Sagwan, Mulberry, Pipal, Ber and Kikar trees were cutted/ uprooted without any permission from the National Green Tribunal, Forest Department and Ministry of Defence right from the stretch from Delhi Cantt. Barar Square via Inderpuri up to Todapur Village. In addition various other allegations of irregularities, corruption are being leveled against the Station Commander.

Shri Tanwar with great surprise and sorrow expressed grave concern that he will raise voice against these irregularities by launching a movement with general public. The Station commander Brig. Jai Singh got confused and puzzled and in retaliation  got pasted posters with photograph at almost all 50 entry points of Delhi Cantt. and ordering ban on his entry in the entire cantonment area. The so called poster was also shown to the Reporters. It was further highlighted by Shri Tanwar that this inaction on the part of Station Commander is not only non- democratic act on his part but also violation of the fundamental rights. Neither there is any provision of this kind in the rules and regulations of the Army nor is it allowed as per existing guidelines. This is democracy stymied.

Shri Tanwar further pointed out that while transferring and stationing the 61st Cavalory unit of Army in the dense forest of Nicholson Range, all rules and regulations were put on shelf and trees brought down to earth. This dense forest is a great source of oxygen for the residents and is called ‘’Heart of the City”. Thus removal of trees from this part of the Ridge Valley is not only going to convert this area into desert but this is gross surpassing of the orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India besides playing with the life of residents of Delhi due to increasing pollution.  On the one side while Modi Ji Government is encouraging for plantation of trees and save environment but on the other side Ministry of Defence’s representative, Station Commander is bent upon diminishing  and maligning the image of

the Government, which is in gross violation of the laid down guidelines and is a crime.

The issue that has cropped up is what happed to the revenue received by disposal of wood that has become available for disposal after cutting of forests. Where is this money? Is it in safe in the Government treasury or otherwise misused is a matter of grave concern. A thorough probe will only reveal the truth and sentence defaulters to jail imprisonment.

Shri Tanwar further high-lighted that this Mandir  that so far as the issue of unauthorized seizure of Shri Hanuman Mandir at Gopi Nath Bazar  by the Station Commander is concerned, this Mandir was got constructed by the local residents after collection from home to home survey as far 80 years back. Ever since its inception, it is being managed / run by a registered society of the civilians of the area by a society “SHRI HANUMAN MANDIR, DELHI CANTT., a registered Society. The Station Commanded is giving two arguments in support of his contention.

1. It is constructed on the army land and
2. (ii) the managing committee has lost its case in the Court, which is totally wrong, concocted and fabricated.

Had this temple was constructed on army land, then why it was not taken care of during all these years and secondly the matter is still pending in the Hon’ble Court of Shri SS Rathi at Patiala House Courts. The next date of hearing is 23.9.2016.

Shri Tanwar further stated that like all citizens, he is proud of Indian Army, who is always vigil and serving the Nation round the clock by sacrificing their lives. No corrupt officer will be allowed to malign the image of the Army and safety of common citizens and corrupt officers will be taught

lesson for their misdeeds. No corrupt officer will be allowed suppress the voice of an honest and true struggler.

Shri Tanwar also stated that on the one side the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India is seriously concerned with the increasing pollution in the city and finding out ways to control it. They have also ordered banning plying of 15 years old  all vehicles and all diesel run vehicles after 10 years also to be  banned simultaneously. The pollution creating units are also being eyed / monitored carefully. Crores of Rupees are also being spent by the Government to reduce the pollution contents from the Ganga and Yamuna water, on the other side Station Commander Brig. Jai Singh is violating the laid down norms of orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and malign the image of the Army.

Shri Tanwar further said that by pasting his posters with his photograph affixed on it, on all the entry points of Delhi Cantt. is crossing all the limits of decency and civil etiquettes by grading him at par with an extremist, traitor has not only tried to malign his image but also tried to damage his personality, character and  his fundamental rights. In his political career of 46 years, he has never compromised with any kind of corrupt, unjust and dishonest person and he will not allow anyone to be non-democratic, unjust and corrupt. According to Brig. Jai Singh, he is being blessed by the Chief of Army Staff General Dalbir Singh Suhag. He should not forget that India is a democratic country and no one has the right to stop & control the voice of common man.” ftl fnu xkt fxjsxh] cMs cMs yksx /kjk”kk;h gks tk;sxsaA”

Shri Tanwar further stated that he will not hesitate even if he has to make dharna, demonstrations or other democratic steps against the suppression and mis-deeds of the Station Commander. Even if, firing is ordered, he will

face it boldly without bothering for his life in the interest of natural justice of a common man.

Shri Tanwar assured that he will fight against corruption throughout his life and till his last breath.

Shri Tanwar further highlighted that few days back, he had met Hon’ble Defence Minister, Shri Manohar Parriker. The Hon’ble Minister has assured for stern action against the erring officer/officials and further assured that the entire episode will be got examined by a high level committee of senior officers of Army.

Finally Shri Tanwar appealed to Hon’ble Prime Minister for immediate stern action of dismissal against Brig. Jai Singh, Station Commander and a thorough probe by CBI  in the interest of justice.