More than a hundred hawkers took to the streets in protest of the bulldozer operation on Raha Lane, and the movement was pacified by MLA Krishnendu Mukherjee

Hundreds of farmers took to the streets under the banner of West Bengal Highway Committee on Saturday to protest against Friday's bulldozer operation on Asansol, Raha Lane. Their complaint is that the evacuation operation was carried out before the expiry of the stipulated time by the government, which is unfair. The protesters raised slogans against the government and administration and appealed to all the people of Asansol to unite and join the fight to protect their rights. As the protest created tension in the area, Asansol South police station and Asansol South traffic police reached the spot to protect law and order. The situation needs to be monitored closely. BJP MLA of Asansol North Assembly Krishnandu Mukherjee reached the spot after receiving the news. He spoke to the agitating workers and appealed for calm and requested them to call off the protest. The MLA said that as per the instructions of the state government, bulldozer operation will not be carried out against the encroachers till Durga Puja and all future steps will be taken in accordance with those instructions. He further said, everyone's cooperation is needed to make Asansol an encroachment-free and beautiful city. He also appealed to follow government rules and administrative instructions. Expressing sympathy towards the victims of Friday's operation, Krishnandu Mukherjee said, "This incident happened due to poor communication. Talks have already been held with the government and the district administration. Further steps will be taken as per the time frame set by the government. The remaining issues will be resolved through discussion." Welcoming this gesture of the MLA, the workers honored him by garlanding him with flowers. Police were deployed throughout the protest. It is said that more discussions may take place soon between the administration and the rights representatives.