Silchar: The Silchar Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Saturday launched an eviction drive to clear encroached footpaths and restore pedestrian access across the town.The operation began around 11 am at Capital Point, with excavators and a large police contingent deployed to remove illegal shops and roadside structures. It covered stretches towards Rangirkhari and areas adjoining the national highway.The corporation had issued a notification on Nov 10, directing encroachers to vacate the identified stretches by Nov 14. Authorities proceeded with the demolition after several traders failed to comply.The drive encountered resistance on Hospital Road, where members of the newly formed All India Bengali Rights Forum alleged that the action threatened the livelihoods of economically disadvantaged traders.Advocate Soumen Choudhury questioned the legal basis of the operation and sought discussions with authorities on the relevant govt directives. The operation was temporarily suspended on Hospital Road as tensions escalated.Four people, including Choudhury and a woman, were arrested in connection with the protests, authorities said. They were taken to Udharbond police station. Some protesters also alleged selective enforcement and demanded that the drive be carried out uniformly and according to established procedures.Mayor Amarendra Paul said removing illegal encroachments was among BJP’s election promises.“The overwhelming majority of residents want development, while barely 10% of vested interests are trying to obstruct the drive,” Paul told the media.
