Srinagar: Traders and transporters, under the banner of All Traders Joint Coordination Committee (ATJCC), on Friday held a protest against court decision to seal the Batamaloo bus stand.
A division bench of Chief Justice Badar Durrez Ahmed and Justice Alok Aradhe has directed Srinagar Municipal Corporation and other authorities to ensure no bus operates from Batmaloo bus stand.
Large number of transporters, traders and vendors appeared in Press Enclave Srinagar and expressed anguish over the court decision. The protesters said that they were not taken into confidence while taking this decision which will have serious economic ramifications.
“How can court deprive us from our livelihood. This is totally injustice towards us. A large number of people including mechanical workers, labourers and traders are associated with this bus stand, and if it is shifted the move will render them jobless besides near about 5000 shopkeepers will get affected due to it,” the protesters said.
“If government goes ahead with the decision, then the business community will have no option other than to hit roads along with their family members. The incumbent government will be responsible for the emerging consequences,” the protesters said.
Meanwhile, Kashmir Traders Federation Chief Spokesperson Ajaz Shahdhar said that it is within the competence of the court to revoke its order. If government shifts this historical bus stand, it will leave many jobless. The issue should be resolved on humanitarian grounds,” he said.
