SARGODHA: The Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) has decided to relaunch an anti-encroachment drive in the city, especially blocks 2, 3 and 4, that was abandoned last year due to alleged political interference.

After over 200 shops and stalls in block 2 were gutted in a fire a few days ago, land grabbers were likely to grab the space in the centre of the block as they had done previously. After grabbing the land they sold small portions against up to Rs500,000 and allegedly even received support from TMA employees and the ruling elite.

In block 3 linked with Sarafa Bazaar, encroachers had grabbed land and even had electricity meters installed that could jeopardise several lives in case of a short circuit. There was no space for a fire brigade from any side of the street that was not wider than four feet.

“Operation clean-up will continue until removal of all encroachments from the city and other adjoining commercial areas to avoid untoward incidents like the fire that endangered the entire vicinity of block 2 on Dec 29,” said District Coordination Officer Saqib Manan while talking to the media.

He said Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif had directed the administration to remove encroachments immediately and allow nobody to grab state land. He added traders had been taken into confidence over the anti-encroachment drive and asked to remove encroachments otherwise the administration would do so itself. He further said TMA staff would follow up so no encroachments were created later.

AFGHANS: Sargodha police have initiated a special campaign against Afghans settled in various areas of the city. During an operation conducted by Cantonment and City police supported by intelligence and elite force around Mushaf Airbase, seven people were arrested and shifted to an undisclosed location for investigation.

The area where the operation was carried out included Hayat Colony, Waris Town, Tariqabad, Bajwa Colony and Chak No 78-SB.

A citizen requesting anonymity said sudden search operations created panic among residents. If police and agencies focused daily on people working in Bara market and roaming in and around the city, they could easily trace suspects.

Published in Dawn, January 4th, 2016