Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 03 2010:
With most shops in Punshi Keithel located in between Babuthong and Kasturithong along Naga Nullah found to have encroached upon the Khasland of the Government, the shopkeepers have been asked to vacate within 4 pm tomorrow.
The Sub-Divisional Officer of Imphal West had issued an order to this effect on April 1.In all 40 shops have reportedly encroached on khasland of the Government.
In the said order, the Sub-Divisional Officer had also made it clear that in the event of failure to vacate within the stipulated time, necessary action would be initiated under the Manipur Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1978 against the 40 shopkeepers.
Eviction drive against the encroachers on the khasland located in between Babuthong and Kasturithong along Naga Nullah has been proposed by Secretary of PDA to the Deputy Commissioner of Imphal West in view of the steps being taken up for development and improvement of Naga Nullah under the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewable Mission.
Subsequently, Directorate of Settlement and Land Records conducted an inquiry and found out that most of the shops in Punshi Keithel have encroached upon the khasland of the Government.
Accordingly, the office of the Sub-Divisional Officer, Imphal West registered an eviction case (Case no.3 of 2010) and served show cause notices to the shopkeepers concerned.
After examining the written replies submitted by the opposite parties, the case had been heard though their counsel.
During the hearing, none of the opposite parties could furnish documentary evidences to prove that they are owner of the land in question.
Hence, the eviction notice had been issued.
On the other hand, shopkeepers in Punshi Keithel have contended that the eviction order issued by the Sub-Divisional Officer was received by the opposite parties only at around 10.30 am
today.
Asserting that they have been running the shops as their only source of sustenance for the last many years, the aggrieved shopkeepers have also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister through his PA prayer for reviewing the eviction order.
The shop-keepers have also contended that they should be given more time if at all eviction is to be carried out.