Renovated Shopian Jamia premises again grabbed by vendors

Municipality says will send them packing soon

SHOPIAN: Even after strict orders from Municipal Committee Shopian to not to use the exteriors of Jamia Masjid Shopian, dozens of such vendors have again appeared around this historic site and have installed carts and other goods.
Since last year authorities have spent tens of lacs of rupees on renovation of beautification of this historical mosque which was constructed in 1930s.
The funds spent were solely of the general public.
Locals particularly those who offer five time prayers in the mosque say that for a few months, the vendors were vacated around the premises but they have again occupied the space,even blocking the entrances of the mosque.
The vendors also seem to ignore Shopian municipality warning that clearly mentions Rs 5000 fione on vendors occupying the space.
The exterior space of the mosque that was developed by the municipality , but this open space has dozens of vendors that can be seen selling fruit, vegetables, blankets, shoes and other goods , that now has resulted in piling of garbage and other plastic waste at the mosque.
Javid Ahmad, a local said that these vendors should have no regard for the holy site. “If they aren’t leaving the space voluntarily, they shall be fined and removed,” he said.
Not only damaging and throwing of trash around the mosque, the presence of so many vendors also block the traffic movement resulting in traffic jams in the town which last for hours.
Another local said that if anyone asks these vendors why they are abusing the mosque premises, they in return threaten them of dire consequences. “They all get together if asked to get out of the mosque entrance and start abusing and quarreling,” he said.
An official alleged that the mosque Committee may have taken money from vendors to use the mosque’s space.
Executive officer municipal committee, Muhammad Ismail told Kashmir Reader that the department will vacate the vendors again. “The responsibility was taken by the mosque Committee, if they don’t vacate them, we will remove them from the place,” he said.

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