Amid a shutdown, protestors in Jammu have called for a restoration of Article 370 and statehood in Jammu Kashmir.
According to eyewitnesses, business establishments in the temple city are shut and the traffic movement has been halted to a massive extent.
Protests are being held at several places while the markets are completely shut in Raghunath Bazar, Gole Market, Bahu plaza along with several other main markets of the Jammu City.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), Jammu had given a one-day call for Jammu shutdown against smart meters installation by the power development department and continuation of Sarore Toll Post on Jammu-Pathankot national highway.
Sunil Dimple, the chairperson of Mission Statehood said that following the abrogation of Article 370 on August 05, 2019 the people of Jammu Kashmir have faced the worst sort of discrimination. “Youth from Jammu Kashmir are being arrested for merely expressing dissent against the administration,” he said.
Durbar move has majorly impacted the business of Jammu residents, he said, adding, “unemployment in Jammu Kashmir has gone up, inflation has increased manifold, depression, electricity bills have spiked.”
BJP has left no stone unturned to loot the people of Jammu, Sunil said, adding, “They claimed to be the heirs of Mahraja Hari Singh, but they are looting Jammu from all the sides.”
He said that people of Jammu Kashmir are highly disturbed by the installation of smart meters. “We cannot afford to pay the bills after having suffered so many losses due to back to back lockdowns. They have left no stone unturned to ruin our economy and now that they have succeeded, they come to us seeking smart meter installation,” Sunil Dimple said.
He said that the toll plaza in Sarore is like paying Jaziya and why should people of Kashmir pay to walk on their own streets.
Meanwhile the shutdown call has been supported by Traders Unions of Jammu, transporters association, Bar Association Jammu among other prominent bodies.
Paramilitary personnel have been deployed at several places to prevent any law and order situation.
Pertinently, the Jammu Kashmir admin earlier this year announced the installation of smart meters in the region, which faced massive protests in the valley.
The J-K admin, however, said that the department would go ahead with the meter installation and those who will protest will face electricity cuts.