Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 13: The residents of Alochi Bagh here today staged a massive protest against the authorities after they were served with eviction notices by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), directing them to clear the encroachments within 7 days or face action.
Scores of people assembled in the area and were raising slogans in favour of their demands, seeking intervention of the authorities to stop the eviction process which they termed as “injustice.”
One of the residents who identified himself as Muhammad Maqbool said that due to abject poverty, he sold his kidney and used the money to construct his house.
“Where are we supposed to go now; what is going to happen to our kids who will be brought on the road due to the harsh step which has been taken by the SMC,” he said.
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The residents said that around 70 families will be affected by the eviction process as the authorities have given them 7 days to clear what has been termed as “encroachments.”
“The process is set to affect us hugely; what can we even manage in just 7 days, out of which 3 days have already passed; we have been living here for the last 50 years; I was born here and now they came and told us to vacate, is this justice,” asked another resident, Bashir Ahmad.
The womenfolk living in the area, who were visibly emotional, said that they are poor and are not in a position to pay the rent.
“If we are to be evicted, then we must be rehabilitated; we are not in a position to pay the rent; are our men supposed to feed their families, or will they pay the rent,” Mahjabeen, a resident said.
Another woman said that their parents and spouses struggled for years, and were able to construct the houses while alleging that they were being subjected to injustice and highhandedness with “no one there” to listen and address their problems.
“What are we facing, if this is not injustice, what is? We will be forced to kill ourselves because we will not be left with any other option. The LG must take note of our issues and we ask why they are only making the poor face the wrath. Isn’t there anyone out there to talk about us, work for or our welfare?” the residents said.
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