Shakur Basti, a cluster of hutments in North-West Delhi on either side of the railway track, was destroyed on 14 December. Over 1200 homes were demolished. No prior warning, no alternative rehabilitation. More than six thousand people have been spending night under the open sky ever since. One six-month old baby died during the demolition.
It is not the first time when the slum faced demolition drive. In fact, the residents comprising thousands of extremely poor families mainly from Bihar, UP and MP live with this fear whole year – bulldozers may run over their homes at any time. The demolition was carried out under the RPF supervision.
Shankar Mahto, an auto-rickshaw driver, has kept his belongings in his auto-rickshaw since the demolition drive because his house has been reduced to rubbles. “I put all my belongings in my auto. I have to pay the rent of the auto to its owner. I have six kids. I’m not able to give them education. I earn around 500 rupees a day but I have to pay 350 rupees as rent for auto,” he said.
Bilash Sharma, who originally belongs to Khagaria district of Bihar, was rendered homeless. Like Sharma, hundreds were rendered homeless. “I have lost everything along with clothes and utensils. I am a labour, have been carrying cement bags for the last 40 years to earn living. Policemen beat me. I suffered a wound in my leg. My entire belongings were destroyed under the wheels of bulldozers. They come to destroy our houses every year. We are always fearful that they may come anytime,” said Sharma.
Ramparwesh Sharma, a third-year student of political science, was born and brought up here. “No one knows when they came and pasted the notice. Justice is never done with dwellers of this slum. The politicians come and make big promises. Not a single promise has been fulfilled till date. Kejriwal had come at night. After distributing tea-bread and blanket, he left. He also promised that justice will be done within a week. When Congress was in power in Delhi, Kapil Sibal had promised us that every resident here would be given a house. But he never came back to fulfil his promise,” said Sharma.
Muhammad Farhan is also worried about his exam which is likely to be held within three months. “My exam is due in March. How can I prepare for it? I am unable to study. They bulldozed my house. It is biting cold now. Where will we spend night?” He said.
A delegation of Welfare Party of India led by Siraj Talib, Delhi State President, also visited the demolished area and met victims. Mr. Talib said that the government and the Railways should have given them time and alternative rehabilitation before launching the demolition drive.