Tension escalated at Habra railway station in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district as protests erupted during a significant anti-encroachment operation by railway authorities. The drive aimed to clear alleged illegal shops and structures from railway land and station premises. Owners of these establishments had been previously notified to vacate the land by June 15, leading to the enforcement action.
Central security forces, along with personnel from the Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF), and state police, were deployed at the station around 1 a.m to prevent any disturbances. Loudspeaker announcements were made to inform residents and shopkeepers about the impending action. Despite warnings, some occupants failed to comply, resulting in the initiation of the demolition process.
As the demolition commenced, a group of hawkers and traders gathered to protest the evictions. Railway officials reiterated that sufficient notice had been given for voluntary removal of the establishments. The operation targeted not only temporary stalls but also permanent structures, including an office of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) located on the encroached land. Left activists staged a demonstration at the site, leading to a verbal confrontation with the authorities.
Habra railway station, a vital transit hub in North 24 Parganas, serves a large number of daily commuters. The area had seen a proliferation of encroachments and unauthorized shops over time, causing congestion and inconvenience for passengers, especially during peak hours. The anti-encroachment initiative at Habra is part of a broader effort by the railways to clear station premises and land across the state, following similar actions at other key stations like Howrah, Sealdah, Jadavpur, and Dum Dum.
Some affected shopkeepers questioned the legality of the demolition drive, highlighting disruptions to their livelihoods without adequate rehabilitation measures. In response, hawkers’ organizations staged protests in various locations, advocating for the protection of their businesses and incomes.
