Local leaders and shopkeepers in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir have staged a protest against the authorities for increasing shop rents and shutting shops for non-payment of new fees. The tenants demanded immediate action from PoJK Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq to reopen their shops.

The protest, led by Shaukat Nawaz Mir of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), saw vendors and shopkeepers gather outside a local chowk to protest the sudden closure of their shops.

Shaukat Nawaz Mir said, “The protest is sparked by the ongoing dispute between shopkeepers and the state government over rent. The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ordered that the rent should be in line with market rates. However, different shops are charging different rents – PKR 18,000 for one and PKR 26,000 for another. The land is state-owned, but the rents are fixed arbitrarily. We are only demanding that the Supreme Court’s orders be followed. Why are they not being followed?”

Mir accused the government of misinterpreting the Supreme Court order. He added, “The court has asked for fair rent, not exorbitant rent. They have misused the law and are treating the public unfairly by closing shops for non-payment. If anything happens to the vendors, the government will be held responsible.”

Residents expressed their frustration with the government’s order. One commented: “Shops were closed unexpectedly and without notice and rents were increased by 6 percent. These shops, which mainly sell meat, vegetables and fruits, are crucial for our income. How will we survive if these measures continue?”

Another resident pointed out that the PoJK government had previously promised to provide good deals on a permanent basis, a promise that has yet to be fulfilled. The rent increase adds to the insecurity and affects the family’s ability to meet their expenses and ensure survival.

(With ANI inputs)

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