JAMMU, Aug 10: President of Mission Statehood Jammu and Kashmir, Sunil Dimple, on Monday led a strong protest rally from Amphalla New Plot to Janipur High Court Chowk against the tenders sanctioned for the construction of a proposed flyover connecting Amphalla, New Plot, Tali Morh, Janipur, Roopnagar and Bantalab.
Hundreds of traders, shopkeepers and local residents participated in the protest, raising concerns that the proposed project could adversely affect their businesses, livelihoods and properties. The protesters alleged that the construction would require demolition of portions of shops and commercial establishments located along the proposed alignment.
Addressing the gathering, Sunil Dimple alleged that the government had sanctioned the tenders without adequately taking traders, shopkeepers, residents and other affected stakeholders into confidence. He claimed that marking and measurements had already been carried out inside several shops for possible demolition in connection with the proposed flyover.
Dimple said that many families and businesses had been established in the area for decades and expressed concern over the possible displacement of residents and traders. He demanded that the authorities first hold detailed consultations with all affected stakeholders before proceeding with the project.
He also opposed the proposed flyover and demanded construction of a ring road from Amphalla–Manda through Janipur, High Court, Roopnagar and Bantalab up to Akhnoor, besides seeking the introduction of metro rail services to improve connectivity and reduce traffic congestion in Jammu.
Dimple warned that if the government proceeded with the construction work without taking the affected stakeholders into confidence, Mission Statehood Jammu and Kashmir would launch a mass agitation. He said the agitation could include protests, dharnas and road blockades, while traders could be urged to shut markets and bazaars in support of the demand to protect their livelihoods.
He appealed to the government to review the project and engage with traders, shopkeepers and residents before taking any further steps.
Among those who participated in the protest were Daleep, Ricky Bhasin, Farooq Shah, Nazier, Vikas, Pama Shah, Sanjay Nagraj, Rajinder Gupta, Jagdish Gupta, Shami, Vinay Agarwal, Abhishek Khajuria, Happy Gupta, Shami Papu Virdi, Vijay Virdi, Mohinder Kumar and others.