Siliguri, 20th July: Residents of Ward No. 28 in Siliguri staged a protest on Monday under the leadership of the CPI(M), opposing the proposed eviction drive and demanding rehabilitation before any eviction is carried out.
The protesters said several families have been residing on railway land for many years and alleged that the eviction notices were issued without making any alternative rehabilitation arrangements. They argued that removing the families without rehabilitation would leave many homeless and severely impact their livelihoods.
The protesters maintained that the authorities must ensure proper rehabilitation for all affected families before initiating the eviction process. They asserted that eviction without rehabilitation is unacceptable.
Following the protest, a delegation submitted a memorandum to the railway authorities, urging them to arrange suitable rehabilitation before proceeding with the eviction drive. They also warned of a larger agitation in the coming days if their demands remain unaddressed.