Close to 200 people are living in 48 houses, at 3rd street, Indira Nagar near Kadaikara Sandhu (close to the railway station).
This area is owned by the Southern Railways, Salem Division. For the past several years, the department has been warning these residents to vacate the encroachments. But these people paid no heed to it as they claim living here for more than 40 years and vacating this place would leave them 'homeless'.
However, ten days ago, these residents received a final warning notice from the railways urging them to clear the encroachments. And, this time the railways acted stern on their warning period and approached the residents today to immediately vacate the area. Infuriated residents entered into an argument with the railways, questioning them about a replacement for their homes. Tense situations prevailed in the area as the residents stood strong on their decision.
Further, the enraged residents staged protests seeking a replacement from the government for their homes at a different location. They held their identity cards like aadhar and ration and showed their proof of staying at this place for more than 40 years.
Upon knowing the tussle between the residents and the railways, MLA, Amman K. Arjunan, visited this location and initiated talks with the officials from the Southern Railways, Salem Division. Following the negotiations, the residents have been given a fortnight to vacate the land. Due to this MLAs assurance, the Southern Railways, Salem Division officials ceased their works on removal of encroachments.
MLA, Amman K. Arjunan also assured the residents that land for the construction of houses at a different location will be allotted to them, soon. Thus, a win-win situation was created and the protestors withdrew their protest.