Topkhana residents protest, demand land ownership rights

Tribune News Service

Ambala, February 17

Residents of Topkhana Parade area of Ambala Cantonment on Sunday took out a protest march demanding ownership rights of agricultural lands they have been cultivating for more than 175 years.

The march was carried out under the banner of Malikana Haq Jansabha. The protestors met Punjab Health Minister Anil Vij at his residence and submitted a memorandum in support of their demands.

The land of Topkhana area is under the possession of the Army and is to be transferred to the municipal corporation for which the process has already been initiated by the authorities concerned.

Shailender Kumar, a resident of the area, said “Our families are engaged in farming and have been living in the area for the past 175 years. The officials have mentioned only the area of our houses in its record. Also, we don’t have the right to repair our houses or do any construction work as per our need.”

“Several incidents, including the death of a woman due to roof collapse, have taken place in the area due to poor condition of houses. Recently, an under-construction structure was demolished by the Cantonment Board. Until the process of transferring of land is completed, the residents must be allowed to get the repair and construction work done”, he added.

The residents said they had been staging ‘dharna’ in their colony and would continue until their demands were met. Meanwhile, Anil Vij assured the residents that their demands would be considered and raised with appropriate authorities. He also assured that he would take up the issue regarding repair and construction of houses with the CEO of the Board on Monday.

The minister also announced to give Rs 50,000 as financial assistance to the person whose under-construction structure was demolished from his discretionary fund.

Ajay Baweja, vice-president, Cantonment Board, Ambala, said “The process of transferring the land is on and final directions are to be issued by the higher authorities.”