RAWALPINDI, Nov 8: The Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) on Saturday took into custody 75 people who had encroached on roadsides and markets.

The TMA spokesman told Dawn that the arrested people were detained in the city police station. It may be recalled that these people had been warned against encroachments, especially during Ramazan. But, they were again found occupying roadsides and footpaths at different markets and bazaars.

The anti-encroachment drive was conducted by the TMA staff who were assisted by a strong police force. Tehsil Nazim Raja Hamid Nawaz, SP city Inayatullah and the ASP personally supervised the operation.

Mr Nawaz has directed traders to observe the sanctity of the holy month and keep their businesses within their prescribed limits. Those businessmen, big or small, who cross their domain and keep their goods and articles or foodstuff outside on footpaths would be dealt with an iron hand, he added.

On Saturday, the anti-encroachment campaign, under the supervision of the Tehsil Nazim and police officials, removed stallholders, vendors and road-side sellers from different markets and bazaars including Bara Bazaar, Trunk Bazaar, Vegetable Market, Namak Mandi, Bohr Bazaar, Bazaar Talwaran, Ganjmandi Bazaar and China Market.

The Tehsil Nazim said the operation would be conducted twice a day during the holy month to ensure that no problem or hindrance, whatsoever, was faced by the people.

At the same time, he warned the anti-encroachment staff to remain vigilant and avoid any lapse in the performance of their duties. Those found showing negligence in their duties would also be taken to task, he added.

The staff were individually asked to keep a strict watch on their respective areas.

“If encroachments were witnessed in any market, bazaar or on a roadside, footpath, the inspector concerned and other assisting staff of the area would be questioned and even booked for allowing or abetting in encroachments.”

Meanwhile, small traders have expressed their concern over the anti-encroachment operation. The poor vendors, stallholders and push-cart owners, who come out to earn a two-square meal for their families, are harassed and arrested, they said.