Rajkot: Residents of Saurashtra Kala Kendra and Prakash Society conisded as posh areas of the city have urged authorities to extend Disturbance Act (Ashantdhara) coverage to their area. Concerned over alleged attempts by outsiders to buy properties, locals met the Police Commissioner and submitted a formal representation.

In the representation, residents of Saurashtra Kala Kendra and Prakash Society, which fall under Survey No. 91 and T.P. Scheme Raiya – 1 (F.P. No. 310), requested authorities to include Street Nos. 3, 4, and 5 under the Disturbance Act. They argued that both Prakash Society and Saurashtra Kala Kendra societies should be included under the act to preserve the demographic balance, harmony, and prosperity of the area.

Talking to the media, a local resident said, “On one side, there is the registered society Saurashtra Kala Kendra, and on the other side is Prakash Society, both of which are registered societies. Our former CM, Vijaybhai Rupani, also has a house in Prakash Society. In between both societies, Sheri No. 3, 4, and 5 are known as ‘Aghat,’ housing around 100-120 houses. Some people from other religions are trying to buy houses here. One or two deals have already been made. When we found out, we ensured the cancellation of those deals. If such things happen again in the future, we will not be responsible.”

“Earlier, we had met MLA Darshita Shah and requested that this private (Aghat) area be covered under the Disturbed Areas Act after one sale took place. Yet another sale has now occurred, so we have approached the authorities again to request the implementation of the Disturbed Areas Act.”

Locals stated that one or two houses have already been sold to people from other communities. While they acknowledged that nothing can be done about past transactions, they expressed concern that if the trend continues, it may alter the area’s population composition and negatively impact the surrounding community.

Earlier, residents had also petitioned the Collector with similar demands. They claim that since the area has a predominantly Hindu population, attempts by outsiders to acquire properties have caused unease. Parts of the locality are already under the Disturbance Act, and residents now demand its full implementation to prevent future disputes and maintain communal peace. DeshGujarat