Defence eviction leaves hundreds homeless in Shillong

Shillong, Feb 11 (PTI) Defence authorities todaycarried out a massive eviction drive in the heart of Shillong,demolishing over 60 houses and rendering several illegaloccupants homeless.

The drive was carried out in the Jhalupara area of thecity by officials of the Shillong Cantonment Board under theinstructions of the Guwahati-based Defence Estate Officer,official sources said.

Over 30 workers, led by officials of the cantonmentboard and a magistrate, razed down some 65 houses, mostlyhutments with crowbars and sledge hammers.

A dozen concrete houses were also demolished in thedrive, an official said pointing out to the area virtuallyturning into a den of criminals and illegal activities.

Some hundred families who had occupied the areaillegally were evicted in the drive.

Key offices of Indian Air Force, Assam Rifles, Armyand some paramilitary are located in Shillong, a city where aconsiderable area is under the defence.