Shopkeepers in Dhubri’s Chawk Bazar Shut Down Businesses Protesting ‘Unfair’ Municipal Board Enforcement
Tensions are running high in Dhubri’s Chawk Bazar as shopkeepers have joined forces to shut down their businesses in protest against what they see as "unfair" enforcement by the municipal board. The move comes just days before Holi, one of the busiest shopping seasons, leaving traders and customers in distress. The dispute stems from the sudden action taken by the municipal board against minor shopfront extensions, which shopkeepers claim is discriminatory and emphasizes their concern about congestion in other areas that are being ignored.
"Shopkeepers feel that the authorities are selectively targeting them while ignoring more critical issues in other markets, such as the severe congestion caused by vegetable vendors in New Market and Hilal Market," said a protesting shopkeeper. The condition in these areas is so dire that it has become nearly impossible for pedestrians to move about, yet no action has been taken by the authorities. "This is blatant discrimination. The roads in New Market and Hilal Market are blocked entirely, but officials are only targeting us," the shopkeeper argued.
The New Market and Hilal Market areas are, in particular, chaotic on Thursdays, which is the town’s designated "Haat day," when a surge of shoppers floods the markets. Traders claim that instead of addressing the overall urban congestion issue, the authorities are unfairly penalizing specific businesses. With Holi approaching, shopkeepers worry about potential financial losses, adding to their frustration.
As the situation unfolds, the business community is calling for a transparent and fair approach from the municipal board to ensure equal enforcement across all markets. The shopkeepers are demanding an end to what they see as selective governance, citing that the authorities should prioritize addressing the root causes of congestion, which affect the entire town, rather than singling out specific businesses.
The standoff between the shopkeepers and the municipal board has gained traction among local residents, who question why the authorities are applying uneven enforcement, especially when other areas face more severe traffic and encroachment problems. As the Holi festivity draws near, it remains to be seen how the standoff will be resolved, but for now, the shopkeepers in Chawk Bazar have decided to take a stand against what they believe is unfair treatment by the authorities.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/video/assam-shopkeepers-protest-against-municipal-crackdown-in-dhubri-1183419-2025-03-13?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-03-13 13:50:00
