Umaisar Gull Ganie
Qazigund, Sep 10: Traders of Upper Bazar Qazigund, the gateway of Kashmir, on Thursday observed a shutdown and staged a protest against the continued closure of twin crossings connecting the market with the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
The traders said the crossings were closed during the Amarnath Yatra as part of security arrangements but have not been reopened despite the conclusion of the Yatra.
They said the closure has severely affected vehicular movement towards the market, hitting shops, hotels, restaurants and the livelihoods of hundreds of traders and workers.
Qazigund traders’ president Mohammad Shafi told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that they have no objection to the ongoing road construction but demanded a proper and safe alternative crossing.
“Our only demand is that a proper and safe crossing should be provided so that people and vehicles can reach the market without facing difficulties,” he said, urging the administration to intervene and reopen the crossings at the earliest.
The traders said the closure of the crossing near the Walnut Factory Levdora has particularly affected vehicles coming from the Srinagar side.
“Vehicles are unable to enter the market, which has directly impacted our daily business. Hotels, restaurants and other small businesses are also suffering due to reduced movement,” they said.
Another shopkeeper said Upper Bazar Qazigund is an important commercial and tourist centre and cannot remain disconnected from the National Highway.
“We understand the importance of road construction and development, but connectivity to the market must be maintained. Keeping an alternative crossing open will help revive business activity and ensure that people can reach essential services, including hospitals, without unnecessary difficulties,” he said—(KNO)
