Kheda: Tension has surfaced in Traaj village of Matar taluka in Kheda district over a proposed large housing project for a minority community. Villagers have submitted a written representation to the district collector, expressing apprehension that the project could disturb the social balance of the area and demanding the imposition of the Disturbed Areas Act across the entire panthak as a precautionary measure.

According to the representation, agricultural land within the village limits is being converted into non-agricultural (NA) land for the construction of a housing society comprising around 200–300 houses. Villagers alleged that the project is being developed for a minority community under schemes named “Amber Courtyard” and “Ek Sapna Apni Zamin Apna Ashiana,” reportedly linked to Amjad Khan Junaid Khan Pathan. Residents have urged the administration to review the permissions granted for the project.

In the petition, villagers raised several concerns, including a possible change in the population pattern due to the settlement of people from outside the village, particularly from Ahmedabad and nearby areas. Some residents also expressed security concerns, claiming that suspicious elements could move into the area following recent demolition drives near Chandola Lake in Ahmedabad.

Villagers further stated that police deployment has been required during festivals such as Janmashtami and Rath Yatra in recent years, and they fear that the new settlement may lead to further tension.

Opposition has also been reported from Garmala village of Matar taluka against another housing project named “Asiana Residency.” Villagers alleged that a recent violent incident involving outsiders led to a police complaint under Section 307, raising further concerns about law and order. They demanded an investigation into recent land transactions in the area.

Meanwhile, VHP district general secretary Haresh Patel alleged that anti-social elements had been gathering near a shrine close to an ancient temple near Bhalada. A fire was recently reported at the temple while a nearby structure remained unharmed, triggering anger among villagers and members of Hindu organisations, who have demanded a thorough probe.

Residents of Traaj, Koshiyal, Piparia, Machhiyal and Khadiyarapura villages said copies of the representation have been sent to several authorities, including the District Collector, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court, the District Superintendent of Police and the VHP.

The villagers have requested the administration to seek a report from the Mamlatdar, halt new permissions related to the project, and take immediate steps to maintain peace and law and order in the area. DeshGujarat