Selective Action Against Poor Vendors in Poonch Raises Serious Questions*

*Selective Action Against Poor Vendors in Poonch Raises Serious Questions*

*Rajesh Tandon*

Serious concerns are being raised by residents and shopkeepers of Poonch regarding the recent drives conducted by the Municipal Committee Poonch in the main market area, particularly opposite Kila Market.

During these drives, municipal officers seize the rehris (handcarts) and temporary stalls of poor vegetable vendors and small business operators who earn their daily livelihood from these setups. However, what has surprised the public is that shortly after such drives, the same rehris and stalls reappear and business resumes as usual.

This repetitive cycle has led to growing suspicion among the people of Poonch regarding the credibility, transparency, and authority of the municipal administration. Citizens are questioning:

Why are only small and economically weaker vendors being targeted?

Why is no permanent or uniform action being taken?

Why are influential or big operators allegedly running monopolies in the city not subjected to similar scrutiny?

The selective nature of these actions gives an impression that the poorest section of society is being disproportionately affected, while larger commercial interests remain untouched.

The residents of Poonch respectfully urge the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir and the Deputy Commissioner, Poonch to take cognizance of the matter. A fair, transparent, and uniform drive should be conducted against all violators, irrespective of status or influence, so that:

Law is enforced equally,

Livelihood concerns of genuine small vendors are addressed,

Public faith in the administration is restored.

The people seek accountability, not harassment. A consistent and policy-based approach, rather than periodic symbolic action, is the need of the hour.