Khyber Pass demolition: Samaresh Jung returns from Paris, packs bags to shift out from ancestral home

Samad Hoque

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Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 7

“I feel disappointed,” said National Pistol Shooting Coach Samaresh Jung who recently returned from Paris Olympics 2024 only to find that his house needs to be vacated as it awaits demolition.

Earlier this year on March 1, a notice directed the occupants of 32 acres of land in Khyber Pass, near Civil Lines in North Delhi, to vacate the area by March 4 since the land belonged to the Ministry of Defence. The notice declared all occupants as unauthorised who had constructed their houses illegally. The Delhi High Court had granted interim stay in the matter, however, it did not quash the notice for demolition.

Jung who coached medal winners at 2024 Paris Olympics – Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh – also resides in the area. “We are not against the demolition, but we should have been given time. Time was all we demanded,” said Jung who was packing his belongings with his family to leave the place.

His grandparents were the original sub-tenants of the property as was mentioned in his petition seeking a stay over the demolition. “I have things that date back to years which is now history. It takes time to move all the things, it is absurd that some officials announce on their PA system that we are “illegal” and we need to vacate. They could have given is 10-15 days.” he told The Tribune.

The Delhi HC had dismissed his petition saying in the absence of any legal right over the property which was sub-leased to Jung’s family, no relief could be granted. The court further said that since the demolition process had already begun, it could not be awarded an exception.

His wife, Anuja Jung, who has also won laurels for the country said that it was a scary scene, pointing at the demolition near the house. “It feels that we are living under emergency or we are refugees who have been asked to vacate in a hurry.” she said.

Jung lived in the house along with his three brothers and his 74-year-old mother. “We took her to our new home because it was too emotional for her to see the area being demolished. We didn’t want this to take a toll on her mentally.” Anuja added.

“I had planned to bid goodbye to the place by calling all of our neighbours for a tea party, but I don’t have that time. It feels emotional to leave this place where I’ve grown and celebrated my achievements with my family.”

‘All we demanded was time’

• Jung coached medal winners at 2024 Paris Olympics – Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh
• The Delhi High Court had granted interim stay earlier, but it did not quash the notice for demolition

Not against demolition

We are not against the demolition but we should have been given time. Time was all we demanded. — Samaresh Jung, National Pistol Shooting Coach

Feel like refugees

It feels that we are living under emergency or we are refugees who have been asked to vacate in a hurry. — Anuja Jung, Samaresh’s wife