Siliguri, 31st July: Residents living on railway land near Ward No. 7 in Siliguri submitted their residential documents to the railway authorities on Friday, demanding rehabilitation before eviction.
From the morning, residents, including elderly people and youths, stood in long queues to submit documents related to their residence. Representatives of various political parties and members of business organisations were also present in support of the residents.
For the development of railway projects, notices have been issued to several families residing on railway land for a long time. Following this, residents started protesting demanding rehabilitation.
The residents said that many families have been living in the area for several generations and they would face severe uncertainty if evicted without any alternative arrangement.
Later, railway authorities provided an opportunity to submit necessary documents. Following this, residents from the area near Ward No. 07 participated in the document submission process.
The Brihattara Siliguri Khuchra Byabasayee Samiti also submitted a memorandum, stating that the livelihoods of many people living on railway land are connected with the area and eviction should not be carried out without proper rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, CPI(M) leader Saradindu Chakraborty said that rehabilitation must be ensured before taking away the shelter of poor people.