Tohana traders up in arms against demolition drive

A surprise anti-encroachment drive by the Tohana Municipal Committee on Saturday morning triggered chaos and outrage among traders after bulldozers allegedly razed shop extensions without formal notice.

Rajya Sabha MP Subhash Barala criticised the action, stating, “This is not Taliban rule; traders must not be treated dictatorially.”

As the operation began early morning near Railway Road, shopkeepers protested at Nehru Market and Valmiki Chowk, where a two-hour traffic blockade was held.

Traders accused the MC of acting without notice. Though officials claimed a public announcement was made, traders argued it occurred just a night prior, giving them no time to respond.

Municipal Chairman Naresh Bansal and Congress MLA Paramveer Singh both expressed dissatisfaction with the action. Bansal called the demolition unjustified during the festive season. Singh demanded the administration halt such drives until after Diwali. Speaking to district officials, Barala also urged officials to suspend demolition activity until after Diwali and consult with stakeholders. Fatehabad Traders’ Association announced it will observe Dussehra, October 2, as a ‘Protest Day’, with markets shutting down at noon and effigies of officials being burned.