8 months ago
Shopkeepers Protest Eviction Notice in Burnpur
Shopkeepers in Burnpur have received notices from the South Eastern Railway to remove their shops within seven days.
They have been protesting because many have been running their businesses for 20 to 30 years and fear losing their livelihood.
A local councillor, Ashok Rudra, supports them and says the railway should make arrangements for their rehabilitation.
The railway insists the shops are illegally on their land and must be removed.
The shopkeepers say they are not against development but want their families' futures to be considered.
South Eastern Railway issued eviction notices to shopkeepers in Burnpur, giving them seven days to vacate.
Shopkeepers protested, claiming they have been running businesses for 20 to 30 years and have no rehabilitation plan.
Councillor Ashok Rudra supported the shopkeepers, urging the railway to consider their future.
Shopkeepers allege the railway is creating difficulties for local traders unfairly.
The railway maintains the shops are illegally occupying railway land and must be removed.
- Who
- Shopkeepers in Burnpur, South Eastern Railway, Ashok Rudra (councillor)
- What
- Eviction notice issued to shopkeepers, protest by shopkeepers, support from councillor
- Where
- Burnpur station market area, West Burdwan district
- When
- Notices issued recently, protest on Thursday
- Why
- Shops allegedly occupying railway land illegally, shopkeepers claim long-term presence and lack of rehabilitation
Key facts
- Location
- Burnpur, West Burdwan district
- Issued By
- South Eastern Railway
- Deadline
- Seven days
- Duration of Business
- 20 to 30 years
- Supporting Figure
- Ashok Rudra (AMC Ward No. 78 councillor)
Quotes
Councillor Ashok Rudra
Councillor of Asansol Municipal Corporation's Ward No. 78
“After receiving information about the matter, I visited the area today. The shopkeepers told me that railway officials had come and given them a seven-day deadline to remove their shops. Some have been earning their livelihood here for 20 years, others for 30 years. If they are suddenly asked to leave, where will they go?”
thestatesman.com
“We and the local people are not opposed to development work being carried out by the South Eastern Railway. However, the railways must also consider the future of these shopkeepers.”
thestatesman.com
Shopkeepers of Burnpur station market area
Traders operating shops near Burnpur station
“We are not against development, but our livelihood and families must also be taken into account.”
thestatesman.com
