Dehradun, Sept. 13 -- Joint enforcement teams from the local administration and the Uttarakhand Waqf Board marked 18 commercial shops with red lines for punitive action at Sahastradhara Crossing on Raipur Road on Saturday.

Targeting alleged illegal encroachments and units running without active lease agreements on Waqf Property No. 8, the drive sparked protests from shopkeepers and residents of the 50-year-old settlement who fear losing their long-standing livelihoods.

The enforcement drive is part of an intensified state effort targeting the illegal occupation of Waqf properties and commercial units operating without valid, active rent agreements.

The marking of the structures sparked immediate pushback from shopkeepers and residents,...