Jawali: Relay fast enters sixth day over relocation of development block

The indefinite relay fast launched by the 'Save Development Block Sangharsh Samiti' in Nagrota Surian, Jawali Assembly constituency, against the state government's decision to relocate the over 50-year-old development block office to Jawali, entered its sixth day on Tuesday.

Five members of the Samiti-Rakshpal Dhiman, Ram Swaroop Sharma, Neeraj Sharma, Anuragh and Baljit Mehra -have been staging the protest at the development block premises. Before beginning their fast, they were welcomed with garlands by the samiti's president Sanjay Mahajan, vice-president GS Vedi and local villagers.

Samiti president Mahajan said the Nagrota Surian development block was established in 1972 after the original block at Mangwal was submerged due to the construction of Pong Dam. He added that the Pong Dam oustees have emotional and historical ties with the block, and alleged that its relocation is being pursued under a political conspiracy.