@the_news_21
Srinagar: Street vendors in Handwara are up in arms against local municipal officials and accuse them of corruption. The affected street vendors allege that the civic officials are demanding bribes over and above the official license fees. Agitated street vendors appreciate the good steps of the Handwara Administration.
They argue that rules should be made applicable for all but the authorities should not target poor street vendors. The local street vendors demand proper investigation into charges of corruption.
Besides this local residents are pointing towards illegal construction all around especially the illegal construction on Agriculture land. We appreciate the recent drive by municipal committee Handwara and Tehsil Administration Handwara against illegal construction, local residents added.
A harried local street vendor narrated his tale of woe to this correspondent and said “I sold my cow and gave Rs 20,000 to the municipal committee .But yesterday the municipal committee officials wanted more money. I could not give the money to those civic officials and hence they broke down my shed where I make and sell tea”.
He further said “I earn Rs 200 to Rs 300 in a day. How can I afford to pay such a huge amount”. He said that the step (demonstration) taken on Sunday was good, but authorities turned a blind eye to the illegal shopkeepers, street vendors and illegally constructed buildings.
The aggrieved street vendor wanted to know as to why only few street vendors are being forced to demolish their shops and materials. “We appeal to the higher authority of J&K especially LT Governor Manoj Sinha and Development Commissioner Kupwara Imam Din to look into the matter and take strict action.
