Uproar at Moradabad Railway Station, preparation to demolish 85 shops, traders said – will not move

Mayank Trigun, Bureau Chief

MoradabadThe matter of removal of shops built on railway land is a hot topic. On Monday, the railway team is going to arrive with bulldozers to demolish these shops on Station Road. Railways has issued a notice to 85 shopkeepers warning them that if they do not vacate their shops, action will be taken. On Sunday, some shopkeepers were seen removing their goods, but most of the traders are still standing in protest. They say that they will not step back until the administration provides an alternative place. These shops are right in front of Moradabad bus stand, where thousands of people come and go every day. Railways says that these shops are illegal encroachments and it is necessary to remove them so that the railway land can be freed. But traders claim that the matter is in the court, so the Railways should wait.

Traders protest continues, removed goods but did not leave the field

There was commotion on Station Road on Sunday. Some shopkeepers took out their old goods, but they say that this is just cleaning work, they are not leaving the shops. Railway officials claim that 39 traders have completely vacated their shops. This work will be done by the remaining shopkeepers on Monday itself. But traders do not agree with this. They are continuously protesting and saying that they will not move without alternative arrangements. On Sunday itself, traders again sought help from city MLA Ritesh Gupta. The MLA assured him that he was with him and would talk on the issue. Traders say that the support of the MLA is a big relief for them, but the problem still persists. These shops on Station Road have been running for years and the traders here are running their business. Their sudden removal will affect their livelihood.

Court case, appeal given by putting up banner

The traders have now pasted leaflets regarding the court case on the shops where the Railways had pasted notices with red marks. Many shopkeepers made banners and hung them in front of their shops. The court and case numbers are written in these banners. Traders are appealing to the Railways that the matter is pending in the court, hence no action should be taken till the decision is taken. Their argument is that if the court’s decision comes in their favor then the Railways’ action will be proved wrong. Seeing this banner, people nearby are also discussing it. Commuters commuting daily by buses and trains on Station Road are also watching this commotion. Traders say that they are fighting legally and the Railways should not act hastily.

Three days ultimatum, dispute started from December 20

This dispute started from 20th December. Then the Railways put red marks on 85 shops and pasted notices asking them to vacate the shops by December 26, otherwise action would be taken. On 26 December, the engineering team of Railways and RPF reached the spot. But then city MLA Ritesh Gupta came out in support of the traders. He spoke to DRM Collection Maurya. Discussions also took place between the district administration and railway officials. After this, the railway team gave three more days’ time to the traders and returned. Now there is a warning of action on 29th December. Railways says that this time is over and the encroachment will be removed on Monday. But traders are still holding out hope that maybe some solution will be found.

Voice of traders: ‘Injustice is happening’

Traders leader Sanjay Arora says, “The railway action is not justifiable. Our protest will continue until the administration makes arrangements to set up shops at another location.” Gaurav Gupta says, “The matter of the shops is going on in the court. How can the Railways take any action until the court’s decision comes? The cases are to be heard in January.” Kamal Kumar says, “10 thousand people are dependent on 165 shops. Due to loss of employment, people will come on the streets. We have details of the writ filed in the court. Railways has not got the updated list released from its lawyer.” Bharat Arora says, “We have been contacting the Railways, district administration and public representatives for 10 days. Removing the shops would be injustice to the traders unless arrangements are made for them at another place.”

Railway’s side: Preparation for peaceful action

Senior DCM of Railways Aditya Gupta says, “Traders were given three days time to remove 85 shops on Station Road, which will be completed on Monday. According to the notice, the engineering team and RPF will reach the spot. Efforts are being made to remove the encroachment in a peaceful manner in coordination with the district administration.” Railways believes that these shops are built illegally on their land and it is necessary to remove them. But traders are calling it injustice. Now it remains to be seen what happens on Monday. Will the Railways be able to take action or will the traders’ protest be successful? People of Moradabad are keeping an eye on this incident. This is not just a matter of shops, but also of employment and justice. If alternative arrangements are not made, thousands of families will be affected. Railways and administration should also think about finding a solution before taking action. But at present the tension remains and all the parties are standing at their respective places.