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Defence eviction leaves hundreds homeless in Shillong
Defence authorities today carried out a massive eviction drive in the heart of Shillong, demolishing over 60 houses and rendering several illegal occupants homeless.
Defence authorities on Friday carried out a massive eviction drive in the heart of Shillong, demolishing over 60 houses and rendering several illegal occupants homeless.
The drive was carried out in the Jhalupara area of the city by officials of the Shillong Cantonment Board under the instructions of the Guwahati-based Defence Estate Officer, official sources said.
Over 30 workers, led by officials of the cantonment board and a magistrate, razed down some 65 houses, mostly hutments with crowbars and sledge hammers.
A dozen concrete houses were also demolished in the drive, an official said pointing out to the area virtually turning into a den of criminals and illegal activities.
Some hundred families who had occupied the area illegally were evicted in the drive.
Key offices of Indian Air Force, Assam Rifles, Army and some paramilitary are located in Shillong, a city where a considerable area is under the defence.
