Tensions flared in Duneke village of Moga today as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) launched a major demolition drive to clear land for the construction of National Highway-105B.

Supported by district administration officials and a heavy police contingent, the authorities took possession of the land by demolishing residential structures falling within the highway’s alignment.

The operation began early in the day, but as the JCB machines started tearing down houses, members of various farmer unions gathered at the site to launch a protest. The demonstrators raised slogans against the administration, accusing them of high-handedness.

To prevent the situation from escalating, the police intervened and detained several protesting farmers. Once the protesters were removed from the site, the administration proceeded with the demolition of the marked structures.

While NHAI officials on the ground declined to give recorded statements to The Tribune, they privately confirmed that the action was taken following explicit court orders.

The orders rely on some key points which include the compensation for the acquired land, which was set at double the government rate. Despite the valuation, the affected parties refused to collect the compensation amount. The administration maintained that multiple legal notices had been served to the residents well in advance of today's action.

DSP Jatinder Singh, overseeing the security arrangements, said a portion of the land acquired for NH-105B was yet to be vacated. Under the directions of the Deputy Commissioner of Moga, the district administration successfully took possession of the remaining land today to ensure the highway project proceeds without further delay.