Ajmer: An Ajmer Municipal Corporation (AMC) team’s encroachment removal drive at Adhai Din ka Jhopra, Ander Kot, Dargah Bazaar and Nallah Bazaar Saturday triggered strong protests from shopkeepers, forcing officials to halt the action until further notice.The AMC team, accompanied by JCB machines, labourers and heavy police deployment, began clearing encroachments from drains and roads and seizing goods placed outside shops. Officials said the action was necessary ahead of the 814th Urs to ensure smooth traffic movement, as many shops had extended structures onto public pathways. They added that while encroachments are removed every year, shopkeepers often rebuild them, even over drainage lines. The drive, they said, would continue in phases.More than 100 police personnel were deployed, and devotees heading toward the dargah were diverted as traffic police managed the congestion. Police also used mild force at a few points when crowds swelled. The operation sparked anger among traders, who accused the AMC of disrupting business during a crucial period.Tensions rose further when the team reached Nallah Bazaar, prompting shopkeepers to shut the market in protest. “They are creating unnecessary problems at a time when business is at its peak. If this continues, we will call an Ajmer bandh,” said Mahendra Bansal, president of the Ajmer Vyaparik Mahasangh. General secretary Ramesh Lalwani alleged that AMC was already collecting user charges forcibly and was now adding to traders’ troubles.Following a meeting with market representatives, AMC officials decided to withdraw the drive temporarily.
