Market demolitions trigger protests in Jammu, threaten livelihoods of Kashmiri traders
Jammu: The demolition of more than a dozen shops at the traditional Parade Sabzi Mandi in Jammu has triggered protests by traders, who said the action has put the livelihoods of poor shopkeepers at risk and reflects growing economic hardships faced by local traders in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), accompanied by police and paramilitary personnel, demolished around 20 shops early Sunday in the name of redevelopment project.
The traders said that the demolition was carried out without adequate prior notice or sufficient time to remove their belongings and merchandise. They said several shops still contained stocks when the demolition began, resulting in financial losses for already struggling families.
President of the Vegetable and Fruit Association, Parade Sabzi Mandi, Subash
Chander Sharma, said traders were not opposed to modernisation but wanted proper rehabilitation and alternative arrangements before the demolition. He said many traders earned only Rs400 to Rs500 a day and depended entirely on the market for their livelihood.
The traders also questioned the proposed design of the redeveloped market, saying narrow passages would make it difficult to transport large quantities of vegetables into the market. They demanded alternative shop or vending space, adequate notice, compensation for genuine losses and a clear rehabilitation plan.
Protesters said shops in the market had existed for nearly a century and had provided livelihoods to generations of families. They maintained that redevelopment should not come at the cost of the livelihoods of poor traders.
The traders, while reiterating that they were not against development, demanded that the authorities ensure rehabilitation and protection of their livelihoods before proceeding with further demolition.
