LAHORE
City District Government Lahore (CDGL) has started replacing iron fence of Miani Sahib graveyard with high walls, which irked the citizens especially the residents of nearby localities who claimed the move will increase crime in the area.
Miani Sahib graveyard is the oldest as well as the biggest graveyard in the provincial capital. The vicinity is already facing the issues of illegal encroachments, illegal construction, presence of drug addicts and other notorious activities.
The graveyard is connected with several residential localities such as Mozang, Bagh Gul Begum, Islamia Park, Saadi Park, New Chuburgi Park and etc.
Initially the CDGL had started erecting new iron fence at several places of the graveyard but suddenly it was replaced by big and high walls. Construction work of high walls is going on at Fasih Road and Dilferoz Road whereas the CDGL has planned to replace the entire iron fence of the graveyard with a seven feet high wall.
Imran Ahmed, a resident of Islamia Park, said that replacement of iron fences with high walls would give ample opportunity to drug mafia as well as robbers to hide inside the graveyard and perform their notorious activities. He said the move should be stopped immediately.
Dr Azam, a resident of Bagh Gul Begum, said that high walls would not end encroachments but would increase the risk of further encroachments as no one would come to know that what is happening inside the wall.
Shagufta Begum, a resident of Saadi Park, said that she was robbed of her gold ornaments while travelling on Fasih Road. She said she used to go to her son’s grave, who died in a road accident some two years back, on daily basis but after construction of this wall she will not feel secure.
Majority of residents of connected localities urged the chief minister to intervene and stop the DCO Lahore from taking out this move. They said in case the CDGL did not stop, they will come out on roads.
Earlier, District Coordination Officer (DCO) Lahore Capt (r) Usman said that the move was initiated to stop encroachments on the graveyard premises.
He said the walls would also restrict the entry of criminals and drug addicts inside the graveyard. He maintained that security of the graveyard would also be enhanced.