ISLAMABAD, Sept 3: The All-Pakistan Alliance of kutcha abadis held a protest demonstration at 100 Quarters in Sector F- 6/2 on Tuesday.

The demonstration comprised 500 people, mostly women and children, and was held to protest the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) continuing defiance of the national policy on kutcha abadis.

The entire area is apparently under threat from a proposed housing scheme. While, it is believed that flats will be made available to the residents of the kutcha abadi, prices of over Rs.3 million are well beyond the reach of the residents.

Local organizers pointed out that the CDA had previously committed to permanently allot the land to the kutcha abadi residents under a scheme, whereby, the residents would pay Rs40,000 in 2-3 years and receive basic facilities.

This scheme was being implemented in other kutcha abadis but in most cases, the CDA had not dealt with the situation properly.

A large number of genuine residents have being denied allotment. This follows the long and drawn out case of Muslim Colony residents being shifted to Alipur Farash, and the sudden demolition of Haq Bahu Colony in 1-11/4.

Abida Bashir, Chief Organizer of the Alliance said it was impossible to expect people to cooperate with the CDA when residents were being denied their right to shelter.

It was agreed that another protest would be held outside the CDA office in which residents of 100 Quarters, France Colony, G- 8/1 Hansa Colony, and others who were facing eviction would participate.

The participants agreed that raising their problems collectively would be more forceful. The protests would continue until such time that the CDA changed its attitude and interaction with residents of the kutcha abadis.

There was consensus that all kutcha abadi dwellers should stand united during the current election campaign. The demonstrators expressed solidarity with Anjuman Mazarain Punjab, and thousands of landless tenants who were facing state-sponsored violence.