Silchar: A 25-year-old shop on Hailakandi Road has become the centre of a controversy after the Silchar Municipal Board issued a demolition notice, drawing strong protest from its owner, disabled shopkeeper Bikash Singh, who called the move “inhuman and unjust.”

Singh, who has been running a mineral water shop from the 173-square-foot structure for the past two and a half decades, broke down before the press on Friday, questioning the legality and morality of the municipal board’s directive to vacate and dismantle the shop within 21 days.

“This shop is not just a structure—it’s my only source of livelihood. How can they declare it illegal without any court order?” Singh asked, pointing out that the property has been in his family for decades. According to him, the shop was first run by his late father, Bihari Singh, who also lived on the premises. Before his demise, Bihari Singh transferred the ownership to his wife, Smritibala Singh, making the occupancy legally valid, he claimed.

Bikash, who is physically challenged, alleged that the demolition notice was influenced by corrupt practices and that it violated due legal process. “This is not just about a shop—it’s about our survival. If the structure is brought down, how will I feed my family?” he said.

The notice has sparked concern among local residents, many of whom expressed support for Singh and urged the municipal authorities to take a more compassionate approach in the matter.

Singh, meanwhile, has decided to approach the higher judiciary to challenge the notice and asserted that he is hopeful of getting justice.

The Silchar Municipal Board has yet to issue any official response to the allegations or provide clarification on the legal basis of the demolition order.