Moga, May 2: Tensions flared in Duneke village on Saturday morning as the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) utilized heavy machinery and a significant police presence to demolish residential buildings. The enforcement drive aimed to secure land for the construction of National Highway 105B, leading to a standoff with local farmers and residents.
The operation, which began at dawn, met immediate resistance from members of various agricultural unions who gathered to protest the demolition. Demonstrators accused the district administration of high-handedness and organized a sit-in at the site. To maintain control and allow the work to proceed, law enforcement officials intervened and took several protesting farmers into custody.
Authorities maintained that the action followed proper legal procedures. DSP Jatinder Singh, who managed the security detail, stated that while much of the land for NH-105B had been secured, some portions remained occupied. He affirmed that under the direction of the Moga Deputy Commissioner, the administration successfully took possession of the remaining land today to ensure the project continues without further delay.
Representatives from the NHAI noted that the action was supported by specific court orders. They stated that compensation for the acquired property had been set at double the standard government rate. However, officials asserted that the affected landowners had refused to accept the funds despite the assessment being completed and multiple legal notices being served in advance.
Heavy police surveillance remains at the demolition site to prevent further unrest. While the physical structures have been cleared, local landowners continue to express dissatisfaction regarding the compensation terms and the loss of their homes.
