Siliguri, 08th August: The Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) carried out an anti-encroachment drive at Panitanki More on Thursday. During the operation, all shops built above the high drainage in front of the Panitanki Outpost were demolished.
It is to be noted that the SMC has been conducting eviction drives in various areas on a daily basis. The latest operation began on Thursday morning at Panitanki More, targeting shops that encroached on roads and drainages. The drive continued along Sevoke Road, reaching Payal Cinema Hall.
Local businessmen expressed their anger towards the SMC’s campaign, complaining that they were not given sufficient time before the demolition.
Later, as the campaign reached Vishal Cinema Hall, the drive faced immediate protests from members of the 2nd Mile Byabasayee Samiti, who voiced their dissent with slogans of ‘go back’.
The businessmen expressed their frustration towards the SMC, citing previous displacement for road widening that had already caused significant losses. Now facing removal once more through raids, the traders insisted they would not relocate without guaranteed full housing. The intensity of the protests eventually forced the SMC workers to retreat.