Launch ‘Employment-Oriented J&K’ Campaign: Sahni
JAMMU, Jun 10: Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) Jammu & Kashmir Unit President, Manish Sahni, expressed concern over rising unemployment in Jammu and the ongoing actions against street vendors and hawkers. He stated that along with the campaign for a “Drug-Free Jammu & Kashmir,” the government should also launch a comprehensive “Employment-Oriented Jammu & Kashmir” campaign.
Sahni said that the youth of Jammu are already struggling with unemployment, inflation, and economic slowdown. In such circumstances, if a poor person is earning a livelihood by running a small stall, selling tea, fruits, vegetables, or other goods, the administration should not deprive them of their only source of income in the name of anti-encroachment drives. He clarified that Shiv Sena (UBT) does not support illegal encroachments of any kind.
He questioned why strict action is often not visible when public spaces are used for the benefit of large commercial interests or when permanent structures are erected for advertising hoardings, while small vendors and hawkers are removed immediately. Such double standards, he said, are unacceptable.
Sahni further stated that nearly three months ago, Shiv Sena (UBT) had suggested to the Jammu Municipal Corporation that “Tik-Tok Shops” or modern vending kiosks should be established in all 75 wards of Jammu. This initiative would provide dignified self-employment opportunities to educated unemployed youth, women, and small entrepreneurs while also ensuring better urban management.
He demanded that vending and hawker licenses be given priority to local youth of Jammu & Kashmir, that Tik-Tok Shops be established in every ward, and that rehabilitation of affected families be guaranteed before any anti-encroachment action is carried out.
Sahni emphasized that the youth of Jammu are not asking for charity—they are asking for employment. The poor are not seeking sympathy—they are demanding the right to live with dignity. He warned that if the livelihoods of local people continue to be threatened, Shiv Sena (UBT) will launch a large-scale public movement to protect their rights. On this occasion Sanjay Bhatt ( Gen Secretary (Org.)), Aditya Mahajan (Vice president) were present.