New Delhi: Continuing with its anti-encroachment drive, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) officials on Monday reached Shaheen Bagh area for demolition of illegal encroachments & structures. As bulldozers and JCBs arrived in the area, it also created huge commotion in the area with locals assembling at the spot to protest action by civic authorities.
The incident assumes significance as it was this area that became the hotbed of anti-CAA protests, just 2-3 years ago. Roads were blocked here for many months as Muslim women led the stir against Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAA). The community leaders believed that it was ‘a tool to isolate them’ while opposition parties raised enough hue & cry, calling it a partisan & lopsided legislation.
Hundreds of locals assembled in the area while heavy police presence is also there for razing the illegal structures. Aam Aadmi Party’s Okhla MLA Amanatullah Khan also reached the spot amid the commotion.
Delhi | Locals sit on roads and stop bulldozers that have been brought for the anti-encroachment drive in the Shaheen Bagh area. pic.twitter.com/EQJOWBzAxS
— ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2022
Local leaders, including Congress workers also protested against MCD’s proposed demolition drive in the Shaheen Bagh area. Some leaders are said to have sat in the front of the bulldozers.
#WATCH | Delhi: AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan join the protest at Shaheen Bagh amid the anti-encroachment drive here. pic.twitter.com/4MJVGoku39
— ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2022
Earlier, the demolition drive was called off by authorities due to inadequate police force.
Days ago, Delhi BJP chief Adesh Gupta had written to SDMC, raising concerns over encroachment by Rohingya, Bangladeshis & anti-social elements.
