Administration Provides Adequate Accommodation
Suhail Khan
Sopore, Sep 05 : After enduring a 20-day struggle, street vendors in North Kashmir’s Sopore town can finally breathe a sigh of relief as the local administration has identified a suitable location for them to resume their daily work.
This development comes as a result of their persistent efforts and protests by the street vendors.
Previously, the authorities had accommodated a majority of the street vendors in a proper manner at Iqbal market in the town, but around 85 vendors were restricted from setting up their stalls near the Girls Higher Secondary School.
However, after their continued protest, the administration took notice and today, they identified the Main Chowk as the new location to conduct their business.
Mohammad Maqbool Bisati, the President of the street vendors, expressed gratitude towards those who supported their cause throughout the struggle.
“We are sincerely thankful to all our well-wishers who finally understood our hardships and took steps to properly accommodate us after our lengthy battle,” he said.
He further added that a team from the local administration, led by the Assistant Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Sopore, along with the CEO of the Municipal Council and other officials, visited them and resolved the issue by providing them with space at the Main Chowk.
Describing the arduous journey they had to undertake, Bisati revealed that they went from pillar to post for these 20 days, facing numerous challenges and false hopes.
“We felt helpless and were ready to sacrifice everything, as there seemed to be no viable option for our survival,” he said.
He questioned the injustice faced by the street vendors, asking, “Is it our fault to be poor? Where did we go wrong?”
ADC Sopore, Shabir Ahmad Raina told Kashmir Despatch that the issue has now been effectively resolved, and those vendors who were yet to find accommodation will now be able to install their stalls at the Main Chowk.
Raina also ensured that the livelihood of these underprivileged vendors will always remain a priority for the administration, assuring them of continued support in a genuine manner.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
