Siliguri, 24th July: Residents of Ward No. 28 in Siliguri received a major relief after the railway authorities assured that those served with eviction notices would not have to travel to Katihar to attend the hearing.
According to reports, the railway authorities had initially scheduled hearings on July 24 and July 27 in Katihar to hear the views of residents affected by the proposed eviction. However, residents objected to the venue, stating that travelling such a long distance would not be feasible for most families.
On Friday, a delegation of Ward No. 28 residents, led by former CPI(M) councillor Saradindu Chakraborty, submitted a memorandum to the Additional Divisional Railway Manager (ADRM) office in Siliguri, demanding that the hearings be held locally instead.
The delegation argued that the opinions of the affected residents should be heard before any eviction is carried out and urged the railway authorities to conduct the hearings at the ADRM office in Siliguri.
Following the meeting, the ADRM office assured the delegation that residents who had received eviction notices would not be required to travel to Katihar for the hearing and that necessary arrangements would be made. The assurance has brought some relief to the residents of Ward No. 28.