Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 8: Government decision to demolish a building triggered protests in Srinagar’s main market hub, Hari Singh High Street (HSHS) as shopkeepers wrapping themselves in shrouds came on roads resenting the move of the Government.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Shalindar Kumar visited the spot and pacified the traders by calling them to his office. However, Traders Federation soon after meeting with the Divisional Commissioner warned the Government that traders will go for wide spread protests in case their shops were shifted and building demolished.
“Road widening is welcome but we are aghast the way Government cheated us. This Municipal building is comprised of 65 shops while 13 shops are on main road. Without consulting us the Government is forcing us to get shifted to Exhibition market which is an isolated place,” HSHS Traders Federation Chairman, Haji Mohammad Shafi said, adding that initially Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA) claimed that this building does not fall in their plan and it could not be demolished.
Shopkeepers raised anti-Government slogans and observed a complete strike. “There are about eight thousand persons who earn their livelihood from this building and how come we will allow the Government to dismantle it? During the Government of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah we paid Rs. 70,000 in lump sum and occupied the shops and now the Government is hell-bent in snatching our livelihood,” Shafi said.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel