Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh): Vegetable traders in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur district staged a protest against an anti-encroachment drive conducted by the Cantonment Board. The protest took place on Tuesday in the Sadar area of the district. In a show of anger, traders threw vegetables on the streets.
The escalating protest led to tension in the area. Police personnel were deployed to maintain order. District administration officials, including SDM Raghuveer Singh Maravi, arrived at the spot to mediate.
According to information, the traders alleged that their shops are located 25 feet away from the roads, yet they were being labelled as encroachers. They claimed to have been operating their businesses at the same location for the past 30 years. Traders also accused officials of not issuing any prior notice before the action, which they said directly threatens their livelihood.
The Cantonment Board officials stated that the drive was necessary to clear roads and public spaces of encroachments. However, traders argued that their shops comply with regulations and do not violate any rules.
Officials Intervene to Calm Traders
The tensions between the traders and Cantonment Board officials escalated rapidly. To pacify the traders, district administration officials, including SDM Raghuveer Singh Maravi, reached the spot. “The drive is being conducted as per rules. Traders are requested to maintain peace,” said Maravi.
Police force Deployed for Safety
Seeing the protests escalate, a heavy police force was deployed in the area to assure the safety and security of the locals.
