Shopkeepers of Gurez Valley observed a shutdown on Monday against what they called ‘lack of basic amenities and development’.
Reports said that all the shops remained shut in the picturesque valley.
The call for shutdown was forwarded by the local traders body to attract the attention of the authorities towards lack of facilities and development.
One of the protesting shopkeepers told news agency Kashmir News Trust that Gurez Valley has witnessed no development since 1947. “We have been left at the mercy of God. Roads are in shambles. There is no medical facility. Gurez Valley has developed in newspapers and government press statements only,” he said.
The shopkeepers said that despite repeated pleas to concerned authorities to upgrade the drainage system, beautify marketplaces, improve the condition of the roads, and provide better healthcare service, nothing changed on the ground. “We only get lip service while no action is being taken to address our grievances,” the protesting shopkeepers said.
The traders and locals also staged a sit-in protest in the market against inaction from the authorities. (KNT)
