Appeal authorities to put halt to planned action for now
MAPUSA
Residents of Cunchelim remain in a state of uncertainty and distress, 24 hours after receiving a demolition notice for properties built on government-owned land.
Despite the notice, which threatened the demolition of their homes, the affected families have been left grappling with confusion and helplessness, unsure of where to turn or who to approach for assistance.
The residents, many of whom have invested their life savings into constructing homes on the disputed land, have yet to file formal complaints against those responsible for deceiving them into purchasing the plots.
The lack of a clear course of action has left these shell-shocked families in a quandary, facing an uncertain future.
RISE OF CRISIS
The issue began when a group of residents in Cunchelim was approached by individuals offering plots of land that appeared to be legitimate property. These plots were sold as private property, but it was later discovered that the land was, in fact, government-owned.
Many of the affected residents, having been misled into purchasing the land, proceeded with construction and settled in their new homes, unaware of the legal jeopardy they were in.
The sudden issuance of demolition notices has left these families reeling, with many expressing disbelief that they could lose their homes and savings after years of hard work. The realisation that they have been victims of a scam has compounded their distress.
RESIDENTS IN DISARRAY
In the 24 hours since receiving the demolition notices, the affected families have been left to grapple with a growing sense of frustration.
Most of them are unsure about how to proceed or who to hold accountable for the deceitful transactions that led them into this predicament.
“It’s like we’ve been trapped. We worked so hard to build our homes and now we’re being told we have to leave. We don’t even know where to go or what to do next,” said one resident, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Many residents have attempted to reach out to local authorities and legal advisors for help, but without a clear understanding of the details of the land sale or who is responsible for the fraudulent dealings, they have struggled to get concrete advice or support. “We don’t even know who to file a complaint against. We are in a complete state of confusion,” another affected resident added.
HOPE FOR JUSTICE
For now, the residents remain uncertain about their next steps. Many are calling for urgent government intervention to investigate the fraudulent land sales and provide them with the clarity they need.
They are also urging the authorities to put a halt to the demolition orders until the full extent of the fraud can be understood. “We just want justice and we hope the government will step in to help us,” one resident concluded.
