Residents, traders and fishers in Hingalganj, North 24 Parganas, have raised concerns over a plan to acquire about 150 feet of land from the Ichamati riverbank for border fencing. They fear the project could displace homes, shops and livelihood spaces across an area stretching from Hingalganj to Shamshernagar. Local people say many families in eight gram panchayats could be affected.

More than a hundred traders and villagers marched on Tuesday carrying placards, festoons and banners. Led by trader Sushanta Ghosh, the procession went to the Hingalganj BDO office, where participants submitted a memorandum to BDO Debdas Gangopadhyay.

The protesters said they do not oppose fencing at the border and regard national security as a priority. However, they urged authorities to protect longstanding settlements, businesses and the income of fishing communities while making security arrangements. Locals also cited a trading tradition in the area dating back to 1783, saying border protection should not make riverbank residents' homes and livelihoods uncertain.