Jammu Bus Stand shopkeepers protest wire fencing; on MLA Yudhvir Sethi intervention, authorities removed barbed wire

JAMMU: Tensions flared at the Old Bus Stand market in Jammu after the administration installed wire fencing in the area, triggering protests by shopkeepers and traders who alleged that the move would severely impact their businesses and restrict public access.

The agitation gained political support as MLA Jammu East, Yudhvir Sethi joined the protest and demanded that the administration remove the fencing and ensure justice for traders operating in the Old Bus Stand market.

The demonstration led to a tense situation at the site, after which the authorities removed the barbed wire. Addressing the gathering, Yudhvir Sethi strongly opposed the installation of wire fencing and said that public access routes should remain open.

 “All routes here must remain open. No wire fencing should be installed. We are free people, and Jammu and Kashmir belongs to every Dogra. Every Dogra has the right to move freely without restrictions. Do not create a situation where people lose faith in the administration,” he said.

Sethi urged the Omar Abdullah-led NC Government not to take measures that could hurt the livelihoods of small traders and working families.  “I appeal to the administration, the National Conference and the Congress not to kick the stomachs of poor people. Do not snatch the milk bottles from the children of poor families. Do not destroy the livelihoods of 300 people for the sake of 33 shops,” he said.

The BJP legislator alleged that the fencing was installed late at night without consulting affected stakeholders.  “Why were these poles erected at 2:30 in the morning? This is not the way an administration should function. If a file has to be signed after office hours, officials hesitate, but they can come in the middle of the night to put up fencing,” Sethi remarked.

He claimed that the move would benefit a limited number of establishments while adversely affecting hundreds of traders and vendors who depend on customer access through the market.

“You cannot economically strengthen 30 shops by sacrificing 300 others. We will not allow these businesses to be shut down. These traders are my people, and I stand with them,” he said.

Sethi further asserted that traders and market associations were seeking fair treatment from the government and warned that the protest movement could intensify if their concerns were ignored.

 “The market routes have been blocked by the fencing, and that is the reason for this agitation. The government must ensure justice for the businessmen and traders of the Old Bus Stand market. We will not allow injustice and will firmly stand with them in their struggle,” he added.

The protesting shopkeepers demanded immediate removal of the fencing and called upon the administration to hold consultations with traders before implementing any changes affecting commercial activity in the area. Authorities have not yet issued an official response to the allegations raised during the protest.