Kupwara, May 31: Shopkeepers in Kupwara town observed a complete shutdown on Saturday in protest against the Municipal Council Kupwara’s decision to tender both sides of the town’s bypass road for parking purposes. The traders expressed strong resentment over the move, saying it would adversely impact footfall and business in the area.
Speaking to reporters, Mohammad Ishaq Khan, President of the local market association, said, “We are already facing many challenges in running our businesses. Designating the bypass for parking will discourage shoppers from visiting our stores, as they won’t be able to find proper space to park their vehicles.”
He added that shopkeepers have taken substantial loans to establish their businesses and that this move would only add to their hardships.
Khan also alleged administrative apathy, stating that despite meeting several officials to voice their concerns, no satisfactory response was received. “We pay sanitation charges to the Municipal Council, but in return, they have turned several locations into dumping sites. Instead of addressing real civic issues, they are busy issuing arbitrary orders,” he said.
The market association has given a two-day ultimatum to the authorities to revoke the circular regarding parking on the bypass. Failing this, they have warned of an indefinite strike.
All shops in the town remained closed on Saturday as traders protested against the municipal decision. The shopkeepers are particularly concerned about reports that the parking tender has been issued for nine months, which they say would cause long-term harm to business.
Meanwhile, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, has stated that the administration is in talks with the market representatives to resolve the issue.
Traders noted that the bypass serves as the “face of the market,” and turning it into a parking area would damage the area’s commercial appeal.
