JAMMU, Oct 1: Jammu Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) Jammu District Senior Vice President Neelam Gupta today met shopkeepers of Ward No. 23 and listened to their grievances, particularly their serious concern over a notice issued by the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) to nearly 200 local shopkeepers.
During the interaction, the shopkeepers apprised Neelam Gupta of the difficulties being faced by them and urged her to take up their concerns with the concerned authorities. They expressed apprehension that any coercive or arbitrary action against their establishments could adversely affect their livelihoods and those of the families dependent on their businesses.
Strongly opposing any action that could leave a large number of small traders without a source of livelihood, Neelam Gupta said that the concerns of the shopkeepers must be addressed through dialogue, consultation and a practical solution rather than through notices or enforcement measures without adequately considering the ground realities.
She said that small shopkeepers are an important part of Jammu’s local economy and provide employment, services and essential goods to residents. “Before taking any step that can adversely affect the livelihood of hundreds of families, the authorities should hear the affected traders, examine the facts and explore a workable solution,” she said.
Neelam Gupta also highlighted the broader problems being faced by shopkeepers across Jammu district, including poor parking facilities, traffic congestion, inadequate loading and unloading arrangements, encroachments affecting genuine traders, damaged roads and drains, sanitation problems, irregular waste collection, insufficient street lighting and difficulties arising from prolonged permissions and regulatory procedures.
She said that shopkeepers should not be treated merely as violators during enforcement drives, adding that the administration and civic bodies must distinguish between genuine commercial establishments and cases requiring corrective action. Where violations are established, she said, traders should be given reasonable opportunity to comply with applicable rules wherever legally permissible.
The JKAP leader further stressed the need for designated vending and commercial zones, adequate parking and loading spaces, better market infrastructure, regular sanitation and coordinated traffic management so that business activity can continue without causing inconvenience to the public.
She assured the Ward 23 shopkeepers that their concerns would be taken up with the appropriate authorities and that she would continue to remain accessible to them. She maintained that public representatives and political workers have a responsibility to act as a bridge between citizens and the administration, particularly when ordinary people face issues affecting their livelihood.
The shopkeepers expressed their continued support for the Jammu Kashmir Apni Party and said they would remain associated with the party. They conveyed hope that JKAP would continue to raise their genuine concerns and that Neelam Gupta would pursue the matter with the concerned authorities for an amicable resolution.
The traders also appreciated Neelam Gupta for remaining accessible to the people and for personally listening to their problems. They said her continued interaction with local residents and shopkeepers had strengthened their confidence that their concerns would receive due attention.