JAMMU, Oct 6: Representatives of shopkeepers from Moti Bazar on Tuesday approached President of the Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCI) Jammu Arun Gupta, seeking his intervention after the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) sealed their shops on Monday night.
The shopkeepers informed the CCI president that the action was taken on the grounds that footpaths outside the shops had been occupied, and requested that the shops be de-sealed so they could resume their business activities.
Following the request, CCI President Arun Gupta, along with Jr. Vice President Rajeev Gupta, Treasurer Rajesh Gupta and the concerned shopkeepers, met the Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation and discussed the matter.
During the meeting, Arun Gupta said that sealing the shops would benefit neither the traders nor the JMC. He also pointed out that the action had affected customers, particularly during Pitru Paksh, when people visit markets to purchase items required for performing Shrads in memory of deceased family members.
The JMC Commissioner gave a patient hearing to the delegation and directed the concerned wing of the corporation to de-seal the shops.
At the same time, the Commissioner asked Arun Gupta to convey to the shopkeepers that they should not occupy or obstruct the footpaths, as such encroachments hamper the free movement of pedestrians and could invite action in the future.
The intervention by the CCI provided immediate relief to the affected Moti Bazar shopkeepers while also emphasising the need for traders to keep public footpaths clear for pedestrians.