Shop owner posing hurdle in eviction process

Silchar, March 31: The stubbornness and obsticy of a shop owner med Pandey whose shop is lying on the road at PWD road point in Binkandi Ghat has made life miserable for passers-by, commuters and road users. He has been asked by the officials of the Settlement Department, PWD and Lakhipur civil administration to vacate the place so that road repair work could begin early. However, the obstite shop owner has refused to do so on the pretext of a new map which he has in his possession. The map states that his shop and its vicinity do not fall under eviction and thus be spared. 

In fact, the location of his shop which lies beside a drain, is posing problems for all. Recently, settlement officer ADC JR Lalsim, magistrate Pritam Raja Sharma, circle officer Pradip Kumar Gupta and the workers of Gautam Construction Pvt Ltd broke all the roadside shops and stalls. They were successful in each case till Pandey’s shop. Around 400 to 500 people came out on the streets in support of dismantling of Pandey’s shop. His shop and its stinking and polluted vicinity are unhygienic and unhealthy. Drain water usually floods the whole area. Road repair work cannot be started if his shop remains there.

On the same day of eviction, contractor Singhe reached the spot and inspected the whole area. He lent a patient ear to both Pandey and people. Even MLA Rajdeep Goala had discussed the matter with the Deputy Commissioner of Cachar S Lakshaman. Local people are concerned about their safety. There are worried who would take the responsibility if any untoward incident takes place. People have urged upon the PWD Minister to look into the matter and resolve it as soon as possible. Pandey’s action has forced the eviction workers to stop the job.