Jalandhar Protest Concludes with Housing Assurance for Displaced Families
In Jalandhar, a prolonged protest by twelve individuals—nine women and three men from Latifpura—came to an end on Wednesday following firm commitments from the district administration. The resolution includes the allocation of 49 flats and 15 plots to the affected families at Bibi Bhani Complex and Surya Enclave, marking a significant victory after years of struggle.
Background of the Protest and Eviction
The protest escalated on Tuesday when demonstrators climbed atop a water tank in the Punjab Mandi Board complex. This action was a direct response to the early morning eviction of several families from Latifpura. For over three years, some of these families have been living in makeshift tents after their homes were demolished by the Jalandhar Improvement Trust on December 9, 2022. The protest highlighted the severe housing crisis and the urgent need for resettlement solutions.
Support from Farm and Sikh Groups
Various farm and Sikh organizations played a pivotal role in sustaining the protest. These groups, including Kirti Kisan Union and BKU (Rajewal), mobilized support through multiple demonstrations, such as sit-ins lasting several months. Their unwavering solidarity provided crucial moral and logistical backing, enabling the affected families to persevere in their demands for justice and proper housing.
Negotiations and Administrative Assurances
On Wednesday afternoon, the twelve protesters descended after initial phone negotiations with Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Jasbir Singh. They were subsequently taken to the district administration complex for a detailed meeting with Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Agarwal and Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur. Representatives from the Latifpura Resettlement Front also attended, ensuring community involvement in the discussions.
During the meeting, DC Agarwal assured the allocation of 49 flats and 15 plots, emphasizing that verified documents from the families should be submitted promptly. He committed to completing the allocation process within 24 hours. In a notable concession, Agarwal announced that the usual 5% fee for flat and plot allocations would be waived for these families. Additionally, he promised that necessary repairs to the flats would be undertaken by the administration to ensure habitable conditions.
Further Commitments and Future Steps
The administration also outlined broader support measures. A dedicated team will be deployed to address other related issues faced by the families, aiming to provide comprehensive solutions. Immediate assistance will be extended to the seven families relocated from Latifpura the previous day, addressing their urgent needs. When compensation demands were raised by organization leaders, DC Agarwal assured that the matter would be forwarded to competent authorities for appropriate resolution.
Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur added that the dismissal of cases related to the protest would be considered, offering legal relief to the demonstrators. The presence of key figures from various unions, such as Santokh Singh Sandhu and Mandeep Singh, underscored the collaborative effort in reaching this agreement.
Conclusion and Impact
This resolution ends a three-year struggle for the Latifpura families, bringing hope for stable housing and community rehabilitation. The administration's proactive steps, coupled with sustained public support, demonstrate a model for addressing displacement issues through dialogue and commitment. The outcome sets a precedent for future resettlement efforts in the region, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention and community engagement in resolving social conflicts.
