Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Feb 12: The Gonikhan Traders Association today raised multiple issues, including rampant encroachments by street vendors, delayed Smart City projects, and lack of proper parking facilities, warning of a shutdown if authorities fail to act.
In a joint press conference, traders from Maharaja Bazar, Alsafa Market, Bazazi Market Saraibala, Hari Singh High Street, Silk Factory Road, and other commercial hubs expressed frustration over the authorities’ inaction. They claimed that vendors have completely occupied market spaces, blocking entry and exit points, disrupting business activities, and creating severe congestion. “Despite repeated requests, both formal and informal, the concerned authorities have failed to remove these encroachments,” the traders said in a joint statement.
They also criticized the delays in Smart City projects, stating that incomplete infrastructure work over the past two years has further harmed businesses. Additionally, they highlighted the lack of proper parking facilities and emergency access for fire and rescue vehicles, calling it a major safety risk.
The Association warned that if their demands are not met, they will be forced to launch a peaceful protest, which could include shutting down their businesses and staging demonstrations on roads. “We are respectable citizens, and our protest will follow all legal protocols,” the statement read.
The traders urged authorities to take immediate action to clear the encroachments and address their concerns before they escalate the agitation.
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