Complete bandh observed in Nangal over lease issue

Rupnagar, Jan 8 (UNI) A complete bandh was observed in Nangal town of the district on the call given by the Nangal Beopar Mandal to press for their demand for the redressal of the lease problem by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) authorities.

All the shops and other commercial establishments of the town remained closed today during the bandh. The local traders also staged dharna in front of the office of the Chief Engineer (Bhakra Dam) and raised slogans against the BBMB authorities.

The leaders of the Beopar Mandal and other organisations criticised the BBMB authorities for not redressing the long standing lease problem of the local residents and traders and warned that the agitation would be further intensified if the authorities did not take remedial steps immediately.

The protestors also submitted a memorandum, addressed to BBMB chairman, to Superintending Engineer (Hedaquarter) S C Diwan regarding their demands including regularisation of lease of the occupants of Nangal markets, withdrawal of all court cases pending in the Estate Office at Nangal and in other courts, implementation of policy decision taken by BBMB in 1995 to regularise the additions and alterations in Nangal, immediate transfer of Chief Engineer B B Bedi and other concerned officials, responsible for present situation to their parents states .

A large number of shopkeepers are occupying the land given to them on lease by the BBMB during the construction of Bhakra Dam several decades ago. However, later on BBMB cancelled the lease of many of them on various grounds that led to litigation in the courts.

Some of the leaseholders have lost their case in the courts and the BBMB had issued eviction notices to them. The other local traders are also fearing similar action by BBMB.

UNI XC PS MMS1922