People's Democracy

SHIMLA

CPI(M) Protests Demolition Of Hutments

CPI(M) leader addressing the protestors at Shimla Municipal office

THE Shimla town committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) held a big demonstration outside the office of the Shimla Municipal Corporation on November 19 to protest against the demolition of over 40 dharas (hutments) in the Charlie Villa of Portmore area.

The leaders who addressed the gathering were unanimous in condemning the attitude of the Mayor and the Congress councillors who were playing with the sentiments of the people residing in these hutments. The residents of these hutments comprise mainly dalits and have been staunch supporters and voters of the Congress party. It was during the Congress regime that these hutments were provided with amenities like water, electricity and public toilets.

It is surprising that now the same party is responsible for uprooting the people staying in these hutments. It may be noted that the Congress is rapidly loosing its base in these areas. In the recent ward elections held in Kaithu Annadale ward, an overwhelming majority of residents voted against the Congress party.

In a statement issued on November 18, the Shimla district committee of the CPI(M) has strongly condemned the demolition of over 40 hutments by the Shimla Municipal Corporation on the same day, without any notice or intimation to the occupants.

The CPI(M) leaders who visited the area found out that there were laregescale complaints by residents of stealing of their belongings like jewellery and money by members of the demolition squad. Savings put together through years of hard work were snatched away. Many lost their TV sets and other electronic items. One Ms Bela Devi, wife of Ram Awadh, and who is running a ‘Chabha’ at Marina  narrated her tale of sorrow saying that the demolishers were actually dacoits and stole away her hard-earned money amounting to Rs 2000. Seventy year old Banti Devi said that they stole her jewellery. CPI(M) cadres helped her retrieve some of her belongings.  Ms Kala Devi’s brand new colour television along-with a stereo player lay broken in the demolition drive. She also lost cash of Rs 4500. When Indu Singh, wife of Umesh Pratap Singh, tried to call CPI(M) leaders from their mobile phone, it was snatched and taken away. Prabha Devi rued that the Rs 10,000 that she had borrowed from someone was stolen by the members of the demolition squad.

Due to the stiff opposition from the CPI(M) unit, which had mobilised all its strength against the demolition, the municipal authorities have been forced to stop the drive temporarily. The Party has demanded that these hutments be regularised. (INN)