J&K: Protest in Srinagar After Admin Closes Several Shops Ahead of Amarnath Yatra

Srinagar: Several shopkeepers on Wednesday held a protest in Srinagar’s Press Enclave alleging that the authorities forced them to shut their shops in view of the Amarnath Yatra, which begins from June 30. 

The shop owners gathered in Srinagar demanding that they be allowed to continue their work during the period of the Yatra. The shops are located in the Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) market at the Regional Bus Stand in Panthachowk area on the outskirts of Srinagar city.

One of the protesters, Suhail, said the local police station asked them to close down their shops today. “The SHO concerned asked us to shut shops or get permission a week ago following which we went to the local district administration and followed all procedures but despite that, we were not asked to close down shops today,” he said. 

The shopkeepers said they welcome the Yatra and have no problem with it. They claim that their market often caters to the devotees. Another shopkeeper said they were asked to shut their shops in view of the security situation. “We appeal to the administration to allow us. Our shops are not a hindrance to the Yatra. We have been working for years during the Yatra. I don’t understand why we are not allowed to work,” he added.

Following the protest, Senior Superintendent of Police (Srinagar), Rakesh Balwal, issued a clarification that all shops are completely open in whole of Srinagar district, including in Panthachowk, except about a dozen or more mechanical/scrap shops inside the Yatra camp campus.

“These shops owners were asked to get verification done and operate the shops, but instead of doing this, they opted to protest under the influence of some vested interests,” Balwal alleged.

Abdul Rahman, a resident of Habba Kadal, who has been running his shop since the past 40 years, said they provided all information to the administration and local police station.

“They gave us assurances but despite that we have been asked to shut shops. It is our livelihood. How will we survive?” he said. 

The Amarnath Yatra is resuming after two years due to COVID-19 outbreak. In August 2019, the Yatra was cut short ahead of the abrogation of Article 370 and 35 A. This year, the authorities have put unprecedented security measures in place for the smooth conduct of pilgrimage.

“This year’s Yatra has resumed after two years and I am sure that Kashmiris will welcome them wholeheartedly as always. Despite stringent security measures, including shutting down of shops en route the Yatra, its we Kashmiris who provide a real sense of security to the Yatris,” former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti tweeted.