Evacuation notices to residents of the Mata Kalsa Nagar in Phillaur have triggered a massive protest in the area as hundreds of residents and members of people’s organisations sat on a dharna in the area on Saturday, opposing the move.Area residents, who have had residences and establishments at the Mata Kalsa Nagar for the past 40 years, have been asked to evacuate their establishments.The directions were issued to residents by members of the district administration, accompanied by police, three days ago, with people being asked to vacate their respective premises within 48 hours.Notices had been issued to about 300 – 400 establishments, including 200 houses and about 200 to 250 shops in the area. Notably, the establishments are reportedly years-long encroachments over NHAI land, for which NHAI had sought the aid of the district administration to get them removed.The issue has kicked up a huge political storm with political leaders making a beeline for the area. Congress Phillaur MLA Vikramjit Chaudhary, BSP State President Avtar Singh Karimpuri, BJP leaders Avinash Chander and Ashok Sareen Hikki were among those who reached out to the area residents – assuring them they won’t be displaced.Amidst the row, Congress MLA Vikramjit Singh Chaudhary and BJP leader Avinash Chander said they will take up the issue with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Meanwhile, with fierce local opposition and the intervention from various political leaders, the deadline for the evacuation of residents has presently been relaxed.In scenes triggering memories of Latifpura, hundreds of residents sat in protest in the area today, stating they will launch an intense struggle if the proposed evacuations are continued.Congress Phillaur MLA Vikramjit Singh Chaudhary said, “The area was established when my father was MLA, and we have always stood up for the residents. Since the locality is deemed an encroachment, the NHAI has served notices of evacuation. Earlier, three days were given, but we took up the issue with SDM Phillaur to relax the deadline. There is no alternate area for the residents to live in. I’ve sought an appointment with Mr. Nitin Gadkari and will be heading to Delhi tomorrow. We won’t allow people to be displaced.”BJP leader Avinash Chander said, “There are 300 to 400 establishments and thousands of people in the area – all poor families. We won’t allow them to lose homes. While I was minister, I’d taken up their issue and stopped action. They shouldn’t be evacuated without prior dialogue. We will take up the issue with the minister.”Notably, the locality is 100 feet from the Phillaur flyover, with one side being a railway track and the other being an NHAI land.SDM Philaur, Deepak Bhatia said, “The administration had only issued verbal directions to residents to evacuate the area, as per due process of law, on request of NHAI. Written notices were previously served by NHAI. However, many homes have changed hands, and some may be occupied by tenants with land owners elsewhere. Residents and traders have been here for many years; many have no alternative settlement, so no coercive action has been initiated. The administration has received many requests to stall the process, including political leaders. A meeting of the residents is being secured with NHAI officials. Further action will be as per due process and NHAI’s directions.”