Jammu Tawi, Aug. 10 -- Over a dozen shops were demolished at the traditional Parade Sabzi Mandi in the heart of Jammu early Sunday, triggering protests from traders who alleged that the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) carried out the drive without prior notice or adequate time to remove their goods.
Defending its drive, the JMC said a safety and clearance drive was launched to remove "unsafe and dilapidated" shops as a precautionary measure, particularly in view of risks posed by heavy rainfall and potential structural collapses. The action is part of JMC's plan to redevelop the market under a Rs 5.88-crore smart city project, whose foundation was laid on June 22.
A JMC squad accompanied by police and paramilitary forces carried out the...