ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has suspended its anti-encroachment operation in sector D-11 following confrontations between residents and enforcement personnel.
On September 18, the CDA’s Directorate of Enforcement initiated an operation, backed by the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration and Islamabad Police, to address illegal constructions in Chauntra village within sector D-11. The operation aimed to retrieve state land.
During the operation, law enforcement encountered strong resistance from local villagers who claimed ownership of the land and refused to vacate the area.
As tensions escalated, locals reportedly threw stones at law enforcement, leading to a response that included police baton charges and tear gas. Nine police personnel and three locals sustained injuries during the clashes.
It is relevant to note that the Chauntra village is situated in an area designated for the construction of military installations, with the land allocated to the Ministry of Defence in 2004.
According to the CDA, clashes between police and locals persisted for hours. Later, a large group of villagers planned to stage a protest at F-9 Park but called it off after negotiations with the district administration.
In a statement, the CDA reported that individuals associated with land encroachments opened fire and hurled stones at CDA and Islamabad officers and officials. The enforcement staff was met with gunfire as they attempted to clear the area.
Before launching the operation, negotiations were conducted with genuine affected parties to dismantle houses constructed after 2004.
However, the operation met resistance, with encroachers opening fire under the guise of being affected parties.
The CDA clarified that the land award for Chauntra village was made in 1969, and rehabilitation benefits and compensation were provided to affected individuals for the acquired land.
A 1985 map by the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) indicated the presence of 30 houses. By 2004, when the land was transferred to the relevant department, there were 342 houses.
At present, only 15 to 20 families are considered local and genuine affected parties, while the remaining 80 percent are non-locals who either purchased CDA-acquired land through stamp papers or reside in houses built by residents.
Besides, the city police have also registered a First Information Report (FIR) against individuals involved in stone-throwing incidents and initiated raids to apprehend those responsible for attacking law enforcement personnel.
Source: Business Recorder
