Residents stage peace protest against civic body in Faridabad

Facing displacement, more than two lakh residents of Dabua Colony near Air Force station road here took out a silent peace march on the eve of Holi. The protesters have decided to observe 'Black Holi' on Sunday. Prabhu Razdan reports.

Facing displacement, more than two lakh residents of Dabua Colony near Air Force station road here took out a silent peace march on the eve of Holi. The protesters have decided to observe 'Black Holi' on Sunday.

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"The residents are upset with the Municipal Corporation of Faridabad's (MCF) plan to issue demolition notices," said Naginder Bhadana, who is spearheading the agitation.

"We have decided to observe a Black Holi as a mark of protest against the MCF officials who have contributed to the mess in Dabua Colony," he added. I

The MCF constituted five committees a few days ago to carry out a survey within 100-metre area of Dabua Colony area, where the Air Force station is situated and start slapping notices. But no action has been taken in view of the protests from the residents.

Officials said the high court had earlier issued clear-cut directions to the MCF to take action under law against the illegal constructions within 100 metres of the Air Force Station by March 31 and report back with action taken report on April 1.

The high court had directed the MCF while hearing a PIL filed by an activist Suresh Goel of Faridabad.

Goel had stated that coming up of constructions around the Air Force Station area have been posing threat to national security and demanded the removal of all such constructions.

A large number of residents of the colony, mostly those whose houses fall within 100 metres of the Air Force station here assembled outside the office of MCF in BK Chowk area a few days ago. They held a massive protest, demanding sacking of the MCF officers responsible for the mess in Dabua Colony.