Anti-encroachment operation triggers violent backlash from villagers in Islamabad

• Noori Bagh Mohallah in Noorpur Shahan demolished
• Eight policemen injured, two vehicles torched
• Besides teargas shelling, police also fire pellets at protesters, say villagers

ISLAMABAD: At least eight policemen and scores of villagers were injured when an anti-encroachment operation by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) triggered a strong resistance from residents of a locality in the Noorpur Shahan area of Bari Imam on Tuesday, police said.

Besides, the villagers torched two official vehicles, said the police. Gunshots were also heard; however, the police and villagers blamed each other for the firing. The police said some villagers were carrying weapons.

The CDA’s anti-encroachment staff along with machinery reached Noori Bagh Mohallah of Noorpur Shahan to bulldoze illegal houses and other structures. As they demolished the first house, about 400 to 500 villagers, including women and children, poured out of their houses.

The villagers pelted the officials with stones and forced them to retreat from the spot. In response, the operation was suspended and more police force was called to maintain law and order. In response, a well-equipped police contingent, including anti-riot unit, reached the village and the anti-encroachment operation resumed. However, the villagers resisted the operation, which led to a physical confrontation between them and the police.

The police fired teargas shells and resorted to baton charge when the villagers refused to disperse.

During the confrontation, the police and villagers also engaged in fist fighting, prompting the police to massive teargas shelling. But the angry villagers pelted the police with stones more aggressively. They also torched two CDA vehicles. During the clash, eight policemen and a number of villagers were injured.

Later, the police using heavy shelling succeeded in pushing back the villagers. Some of the protesters, majority of them women and children, took shelter inside their houses. According to the police and the CDA, the operation continued till the filing of this report at about 9pm.

Talking to Dawn, the villagers on condition of anonymity said besides resorting to teargas shelling and baton charging, the police also fired pellets at the protesters. About 50 villagers were injured during the use of force by the police, they added. During the operation, Noori Bagh Mohallah was completely demolished.

It may be noted that in the last six months, over 13,000 houses in the locality have been demolished in Noorpur Shahan. There are still about 15,000 houses. Shops in front of the Bari Imam Shrine were also demolished. The police conducted search operations in Kamalpur and Bona Mohallah and picked up over 50 villagers. In the evening, the police picked up more residents of the village.

About 1,000 police personnel were deployed at different localities, including near the shrine. Police raids continued to arrest the villagers and as a result a number of them went into hiding.

Three out of the four access points from Margalla Road, Third Avenue and Diplomatic Enclave to the area were completely blocked and police were deployed there. Only the access point from Shahdara was open.

Published in Dawn, April 15th, 2026