Protest over demolition drive on Basant road in Gharaunda

Tribune News Service

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Karnal, January 3

Protesting against the demolition drive that took place on the Barsat road in Gharaunda, residents staged a dharna at the site where they have their residences and shops.

The support of the Congress, other Opposition parties and farmers’ unions has given fuel to their protest. The residents said they had the registration papers with them, and the authorities had demolished their houses and shops without any notice.

“We have been living here for the past several years. We have the registry papers, but the authorities have demolished our houses and shops, bringing us on road,” said Rajesh Kumar, a resident.

Congress leaders extended support to the residents and warned the district administration of dire consequences if they were not rehabilitated. “We are with these people who have been made homeless by the district authorities. We will fight for them. We are ready to face any action of the administration,” said Virender Rathore, national secretary, Congress.

Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav said the land belonged to the government and the action was taken on the request of the Custodian Department to get it vacated. “I have assigned the duty to the SDM, Gharaunda, to clear the doubts of residents,” he said.

Abhay Jangra, SDM, Gharaunda, said around 25 kanals were vacated by demolishing the structure there. “I will hold meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday with the stakeholders to clear their doubts,” said the SDM.