Community leaders including Mohammad Bilanwala and Munaf G Pathan told Express Newsline that though they had of late been highlighting the issue to the civic authorities concerned, nothing had been done in the context.

They alleged a large number of slum-dwellers, kutcha shops and even garages had come up around the Aminabibi (Bhutadijhapa) and Matadiya (Karelibaug) graveyards despite their repeated requests and even protests. ``The same had not only breached the sanctity of the graveyard but also promoted illegal encroachments by the shopkeepers there,'' Pathan said.