Topkhana residents continue stir

Tribune News Service

Ambala, February 18

Residents of the Topkhana area continued to stage a dharna in support of their demands in Ambala Cantonment. They have been demanding the right to repair and carry out construction work in the houses they have been living in. The area is under the Cantonment Board.

According to information, State Health Minister Anil Vij today held a meeting with the officials of the Cantonment Board and discussed the issue.

According to information, as per Section 235 of the Cantonment Act, routine repair can be carried out by residents and the repairs that attract separate sanction under Section 235 are to be sent to the board.

Shailender Kumar, a resident, said: “We have been staging the dharna as we want the permission and right to repair our houses or carry out any kind of construction work as per our need. We are yet to get any written assurance from the authorities concerned. Until we get the written assurance, we will not end the dharna. Around 10,000 people reside in this area.”

The land of Topkhana area is under the possession of the Army and is to be transferred to the Municipal Corporation for which the process has already been initiated by the concerned authorities.

Ajay Baweja, vice-president of the Cantonment Board, said: “The residents, who need to carry out some repair, particularly in their roofs, they can do the same. But they will not be allowed to do any kind of encroachment.”