J&K State Sports Council and Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Monday tried to remove footpath vendors from the Polo Ground but had to face severe resistance.
Footpath vendor’s have occupied the Polo Ground and have turned the space into vendor market. The vendor’s have been using the space as their own market on the type of Makkah market near Biscoe school from last more than one month. They had even erected market board on its gate.
On Monday, Commissioner SMC, Dr Shafqat Khan, Secretary Sports Council Waheed Ur Rehman Parra along with demolition squad visited Polo Ground, removing the boards and closing down the market.
Vendors showed resistance and are still occupying the space. They first blocked the main road and then protested in press enclave.
“They are using us as their political tool as they used to back us during unrest to put beds on streets. Now as their wishes are done they try to remove us. We are poor people who earn on daily basis. It was Divisional Commissioner who allocated us this space after we had met Chief Minister,” said President of the vendor’s association.
“We will not leave this space till final settlement is done. We want justice and they can’t remove us like this. First they keep us then next day say leave this place. It is affecting our livelihood,” he added.