MANSEHRA, June 28: The residents of Bakrial have announced that they will resist a government move to demolish over 600 houses in the area for establishing the New Balakot City.

In a protest demonstration on Thursday, the residents chanted slogans against the government and the Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority and asked the government to revoke the decision.

The residents threatened to resort to violent protests and use force to block the move, adding that they would not allow the government to snatch their shelter for those who could be settled at some other place.

Criticising the government, they said the settlement of the Balakot’s earthquake-affected people in Bakrial was not a wise decision because the move would displace those people who had been living in the area for centuries.

They told Dawn that some people of the area had approached the District Coordinator Officer Mansehra to get his help in revoking the government decision. But, they regretted, the officer advised them to vacate their houses.

President Gen Pervez Musharraf laid foundation of the New Balakot City in Bakrial on May 21 this year for settlement of the earthquake-affected people of Balakot and Garlat. The project would be completed at an estimated cost of Rs13.5 billion.

After a survey of the area, the district revenue department had issued orders for the demolition of over 600 houses and it was decided to pay damages compensation to residents of those houses.

Some residents of Bakrial have also moved a local court on the issue.