Examiner Bureau | Jammu:
The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has sealed around five shops in Moti Bazar over alleged encroachments, triggering protests from shopkeepers and prompting the market association to announce the closure of the bazaar in protest.
The affected traders expressed anger after finding their establishments sealed, claiming they had not been informed in advance about the action.
JMC officials, however, said notices had been served on the shopkeepers around 10 days earlier, directing them to respond to the encroachment allegations. As no response was received within the stipulated period, the corporation proceeded with the sealing, officials said.
The shopkeepers urged the civic body to reconsider the action, particularly as the festival season has brought increased commercial activity. They said the sealing of shops at this time could adversely affect businesses and called for the matter to be resolved without disrupting trade.
Following the JMC action, the market association decided to shut Moti Bazar in protest, with traders demanding that the corporation review the sealing and address their concerns.
