Imphal: Shop owners and residents of Paona and Thangal markets, in Imphal, have launched an indefinite shutdown of their shops in protest against government’s eviction drive targeting illegal encroachments.
The sudden shutdown of markets caused confusion and inconvenience to the public.
The shutdown was announced on Wednesday by Yogesh Jain, convenor of the newly-formed Association of the Victims and Plot Owners of Thangal and Paona Bazar. He alleged that despite cooperation from the public in clearing debris and removing unauthorized constructions as per directives from the district administration, authorities proceeded to demolish building structures without prior notice.
Speaking to reporters, Jain said the administration carried out demolitions using aerial measurements to determine the breadth of the footpath, instead of proper ground demarcation.
“If they are going to demolish structures based on vertical measurements of the footpath’s width, they must first demarcate the area and inform the building owners,” said a Thangal Bazar resident.
The bazar residents ‘strongly’ condemned the government’s action and said the eviction work must be stopped immediately. “We will continue our indefinite shutdown until our demands are met,” the resident said.
The district administrations of both Imphal East and Imphal West had earlier issued notices under Section 3 of the Manipur Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1978, directing all encroachers to voluntarily remove illegal structures and materials from highways, inter-district and inter-village roads, and footpaths by 3 p.m. on July 11.
The order also warned that removal charges for dismantled structures and debris would be recovered from the owners, and failure to comply within ten days would invite further penal action.
In continuation of the order, eviction drives have already been carried out along Singjamei Road, Uripok, and Keishampat to the Airport stretch along Tiddim Road.
While the protest continues in the heart of Imphal, some residents have voiced support for the eviction initiative. A local resident at Khwairamband Market told reporters that the government’s action is necessary for the greater public good.
“The eviction is meant to benefit commuters and remove long-standing obstructions caused by illegal footpath encroachments. Protesting such initiatives is counterproductive; instead, we should cooperate with the authorities,” he said.
Speaking at a public function on this day, deputy commissioner Rajkumar said, “The eviction is taken up as per the Building By-Laws. During my tenure, I will continue taking developmental steps to clear encroachments.”
