The families of the shopkeepers, led by local BJP leaders, accused the administration of deliberately delaying their relocation despite a commitment made by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in July last year.
“The LG’s commitment has been ignored. Three months ago, the JMC commissioner verbally assured that all shopkeepers would be relocated to the under-construction Chanderbagha Hall. Even documents were sought from the shopkeepers, yet eviction notices were served without any relocation,” said BJP leader and former corporator Pawan.
He blamed the authorities for failing to honour their commitments, forcing shopkeepers to take to the streets.
Earlier, BJP MLAs Sham Lal Sharma, Surjit Singh Salathia, Vikram Randhawa, and Dr Narinder Singh met former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to discuss the relocation issue.
The BJP also raised the matter in the Assembly, demanding proper rehabilitation for the 39 shopkeepers facing eviction due to the ongoing flyover construction from Kunjwani to Satwari.
Congress working president Raman Bhalla also extended support to the protesting shopkeepers, stating that the LG administration had assured them of relocation, and BJP leaders had even distributed sweets to celebrate the commitment, which was later disregarded as eviction notices were issued. (KNO)
