Encroachment drive: Goods transporters protest eviction notices

A large number of goods transporters staged a demonstration against DCO Mengal for issuing eviction notices to them.

FAISALABAD:

A large number of goods transporters on Thursday staged a demonstration against DCO Noorul Amin Mengal for issuing eviction notices to them.

The protesters gathered at GTS Chowk and blocked it for traffic. Mini Mazda Owners Association representative Rafiq Akhtar said the former DCO had allotted them space near Niamoana on Samundri Road and had allowed them to run their stands there.

“He also directed us not to run our stands in the city area and assured us that the district administration would not interfere in their work at Niamoana,” he said.

“However, Mengal has issued us notices, telling us to vacate the space so that the government can demolish stands. The DCO has threatened to confiscate our vehicles if we do not move,” Rafiq said.

The protestors chanted “Go DCO Go”. Muhammad Amjad, a representative of the divisional commissioner, reached the scene and assured them that their issue would be raised before senior officials.

On this assurance, the transporters called off their protest .

Mengal said the administration had launched a campaign against encroachments and notices had been issued to the transporters as buildings of their some stands were established on state land.“During the encroachment drive, rights of the transporters will be respected,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 28^th, 2014.