Traffic blocked in protest of PUDA's anti-encroachment drive

Moga, Oct 30 (UNI) About 1,000 shopkeepers and residents of Bhaghapurana and its surrounding towns today observed a complete bandh and blocked road traffic for two hours on Moga-Kotkapura road in protest against an anti-encroachment drive by Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA).

The shopkeepers of Bhaghapurana, Singhanwala, Gill, Rajyana and Smalsar were protesting against the issuing of notices by the PUDA for the removal of encroachments by shops and houses on both sides of Moga-Kotkapura road under the plan to widen the road.

The shopkeepers and owners of the houses said that they had constructed their shops and houses at their own sites and the PUDA had no right to displaced them. They were also demanding amendment in 1995 PUDA Act and regularisations of their ownership.

Elaborate security arrangements were made by the district police. Bandh was peaceful and no untoward incident was reported.

UNI