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JAMMU: In solidarity with the distressed shopkeepers of the Nai Basti market, nine BJP MLAs joined the shopkeepers’ protest, demanding that the government immediately halt eviction proceedings and fulfill its commitment of rehabilitating the affected shopkeepers before initiating any demolition or displacement measures.
The shopkeepers, whose establishments have been in line for demolition for the flyover under the Express Highway extension project, have been served fresh eviction notices by the administration, asking them to vacate their premises without delay. The BJP leaders termed this move unjust and urged the government to respect its prior assurance of relocating the affected traders to the designated commercial site at Chanderbhaga.
Among the protesting BJP leaders were MLAs Dr. Narinder Singh, BJP National Secretary, Sham Lal Sharma, & Yudhvir Sethi, J&K BJP Vice-Presidents, Arvind Gupta, Secretary, Prof. Gharu Ram Bhagat, Choudhary Vikram Randhawa, Mohan Lal, Dr. Rajeev Bhagat, and Surinder Bhagat. They were also joined by senior party members and the aggrieved shopkeepers who have been protesting against the administration's abrupt and forceful notice.
Dr. Narinder Singh criticized the timing and manner of the notice issued just a day earlier. “This action is nothing short of devastating for the small shopkeepers who depend solely on their businesses for their daily livelihood,” he said. “It is not only unfair but also a breach of trust, as these individuals were promised relocation to Chanderbhaga before any such step was taken.”
Dr. Singh reminded the authorities that the BJP had raised this issue with the Chief Minister and he himself raised this earlier in the J&K Assembly. He was personally present in the meeting with Divisional Commissioner, who had given assurances about the rehabilitation of the shopkeepers. “All BJP MLAs stand united with the people. The notice be immediately withdrawn and the affected shopkeepers be allotted the promised commercial spaces at Chanderbhaga before any government action,” he asserted.
Echoing his concerns, Sham Lal Sharma reiterated that the shopkeepers should not be made scapegoats in the name of development. “While infrastructure projects are essential, they should not come at the cost of people's livelihoods. The administration had earlier promised that the traders would be settled before any action was taken. That commitment must now be honored,” he said.
Yudhvir Sethi asked the NC government to act responsibly and compassionately towards the public and make the necessary arrangements for their rehabilitation. “Governance must be people-centric. It is imperative that the administration behaves like a pro-people body and not an anti-people brigade. The shopkeepers must be treated with dignity and relocated respectfully before being asked to vacate,” he added. The BJP leaders assured the protesting shopkeepers of their unwavering support and pledged to raise the issue at every platform until justice is delivered.
