Shop rentals keep security agencies on toes in Punjab

Over the last one and a half years, about 20 non-locals belonging to a certain community have been renting shops in the border town of Tarn Taran in Punjab at much more than the average rates, triggering apprehension among locals.

Sources said shops are being rented anything between Rs 30,000 and Rs 65,000 even though they are smaller than the rest of the stalls in the vicinity. The ongoing price in the area is Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000, they said.

"Their lunch comes from a particular restaurant. All these developments have raised a lot of questions about the authenticity of the shops as well as the people working there," said a local shopkeeper who did not wish to be named.

Sources said the matter has reached the authorities and security agencies have been keeping a constant vigil over it, particularly in the wake of reports of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Recently a charred Pakistani drone was found in the area.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Rishi said, "I have issued orders that it is a must for the owners of the buildings to give notice to the tenants, otherwise necessary action will be taken against them."

According to the locals, the outsiders set shops and started the business of making women's clothes. "So far, these shops have not been able to do as much business as the rent they pay," added the local.

Station House Officer Gurcharan Singh said they are gathering details of the non-local shopkeepers. "We have also summoned them and will be submitting a detailed report to the higher authorities."

—Zee Media Newsroom