Kheda: A large group of villagers from Vithalpura and Parsantaj on Monday gathered outside the Kheda Taluka Seva Sadan to protest against the proposed Khwaja Residency 2 housing scheme. More than 300 people reportedly surrounded the office and submitted a memorandum to Provincial Officer Suresh Barot, expressing strong opposition to the project.

The villagers, under the banner of the Vithalpura and Parsantaj Sanatan Samiti, demanded that the area be brought under the Disturbed Areas Act, claiming that the project could alter the existing demographic pattern of the locality. They stated that several properties were allegedly being purchased by outside investors associated with minority communities, which they believe could create social tension in this peaceful area in future.

According to the memorandum, residents fear that the nature of the neighbourhood may change and have requested that government authorities intervene at the earliest to prevent possible disputes. The villagers raised slogans against ‘land jihad’ during the protest, insisting that the area be notified under the Act to avoid displacement or distress among existing residents.

Provincial Officer Suresh Barot accepted the complaint and assured the villagers that their concerns would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for review. Further action will be taken as per legal procedure, officials said.