Md. Jamal Hassain, Khulna :
The housing authority has faced a roadblock in its land recovery operation in Mujgunni Bastuhara Colony in Khalishpur, Khulna city. The agency launched an eviction operation to hand over plots to the allotted owners. During this, a clash occurred between the police and the illegal occupants. At least 30 police and residents were reportedly injured in an hour-long clash between the police and the locals on Sunday. The eviction operation began on Sunday (August 21) morning to hand over the land to the plot owners. From the beginning, the residents blocked the area by burning tires and throwing tree trunks. The clash started after 10 am when the police resorted to lathicharge.
At this time, the locals threw bricks and stones, forcing the police to retreat. Later, the police fired tear gas. At this time, the bulldozer that was going on the eviction operation was vandalized.
Locals claim that they will not allow the eviction unless rehabilitation is provided. Police say that the eviction drive has been suspended for the time being on the orders of the magistrate.
Police said that about 200 families live on a 2-acre land in Mujgunni’s Bastuhara. However, in 1987, the housing authority sold the adjacent land in the form of plots through a lottery. Even after 35 years, the 42 plot owners there have still not received their land.
Khalishpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mir Atahar Ali said, “We went to assist in the eviction process under the leadership of the National Housing Authority magistrate. At that time, when we went to remove the illegal occupants, they threw bricks and stones at the police. They had made preparations in advance. 14 policemen, including me, were injured in their attack.”
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