The alleged encroachers said that they were assured by the provincial government alternate arrangements before removing them from around the market whereas preparations to remove them forcibly are being finalised by the city government.
They said that the city nazim is reported to have directed his staff to take appropriate action against the encroachers. Agriculture department and the city police will co-ordinate in the action.
The encroachers have categorically denied all charges that the land Mafia active in the Super Highway area was supporting them in land grabbing.
They said they were having their chaba (temporary stall) inside and around the old Sabzi Mandi and were given assurance that they would be given space to carry on with their business.
After the finalisation of allotment they came to know that they had been ignored.
Finding no alternative and no one to listen to 'our request we put up kutcha stalls around the new Sabzi Mandi.'
They said that the market committee, agriculture department, city nazim, rangers and a number of agencies had remained involved in the New Sabzi Mandi affairs. The purpose was to set up the Mandi according to donor's designs but it did not happen.
Only the political cronies were accommodated, said one of the encroachers. He said that people were discriminated against and allotments were made on considerations other than the fairness of claims and merit of each claim.
The encroachers have chabbas in hundreds and fear that they would be removed without providing them alternate space for setting up a stall legally protected. They said that they would not permit anti-encroachment cell to enter the area until alternate arrangement had been made to rehabilitate them.