BAHAWALPUR: Scores of villagers of Chak 11BC and Chak 12BC on Sunday protested against the district administration, demanding a resettlement plan ahead of evictions.
More than 1,500 protesters gathered in front of the house of Federal Minister for Education Baligur Rehman at 9am and chanted slogans against the government.
Talking to newsmen, Muhammad Usman said the district administration had launched a drive against encroachments on over 40 acres in Chak 11BC and Chak 12BC.
He said the district administration had issued notices, asking them to evacuate the area.
He said on Saturday, the district administration and a police team had demolished 100 houses still occupied by residents.
“People have been living on this land since 1930,” he said.
Mariam Jamil, another protester, said, “I was raised here and I got married here. My family was here since before the Partition. Where will I go?”
The protesters said the government had allowed them to live on the land.
“Why are they suddenly removing us from our homes,” said Imran Adil, another protester.
He said 2,500 families would be displaced if the government did not announce plans for resettling them.
Later, the protesters walked through the old fruit and vegetable market to the General Bus Stand.
They then walked to the DCO’s Office and blocked the road for traffic.
Later, Bahawalpur commissioner met the protesters and assured them that their problem would be looked into and resolved soon. The protesters dispersed at around 11 am after which traffic resumed in the area.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 10th, 2015.
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