𝐊𝐮𝐩𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐮𝐭 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐲𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧

Kupwara, May 31: Shopkeepers in Kupwara town staged a complete shutdown on Saturday to protest the Municipal Council Kupwara’s decision to allocate both sides of the town’s bypass road for parking. Traders expressed strong opposition, fearing the move would reduce customer footfall and hurt their businesses.

Mohammad Ishaq Khan, President of the local market association, told reporters, “We are already struggling with many challenges. Using the bypass for parking will discourage shoppers because they won’t find convenient parking near our shops.”

He highlighted that many shopkeepers have taken large loans to run their businesses, and this decision would increase their difficulties.

Khan also accused the administration of ignoring their concerns, saying that despite multiple meetings with officials, they have received no satisfactory response. “We pay sanitation fees, yet the council has allowed several areas to become dumping grounds. Instead of fixing real problems, they are busy making arbitrary decisions,” he added.

The market association has issued a two-day deadline for the authorities to cancel the parking tender. If not revoked, they plan to call for an indefinite strike.

All shops remained closed on Saturday as part of the protest. Traders are particularly worried about reports that the parking tender covers a nine-month period, which could cause prolonged damage to their businesses.

Meanwhile, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani said the administration is in discussions with market leaders to find a solution.

Shopkeepers stressed that the bypass road is the “face of the market,” and converting it into a parking zone would harm the area’s commercial appeal.