SRINAGAR: Shopkeepers at Budshah Chowk Srinagar on Thursday protested against J&K Waqf Board for sealing half of dozen shops in the area. They said the matter is subjudice and appealed to Waqf authorities to de-seal the shops so that they will continue their business.
Several shopkeepers at Budshah Chowk Maisuma closed their shops and held a protest against Wakf Board for sealing 6 shops in the area.
The shopkeepers said that the matter is related to enhancement in monthly rent tariff which is sub-judice right now. They said they have put forth their genuine argument before the honorable court and whatever decision will come from there, it will be abided in letter and spirit by all.
“We came to know that Wakf authorities have sealed our 6 shops on Wednesday late night. We are paying rent as per agreement drafted during previous PDP-BJP coalition government. However later on Wakf Board enhanced rent without taking our side on board which however is hefty for shopkeepers to pay in present tough circumstances. The matter is heard by honorable court and we hope a decision will come to fore soon and will be abided by all,” a shopkeeper said.
He said the decision of sealing shops “arbitrarily” by Waqf Board has disappointed shopkeepers who in reply have shut their shops. He appealed Waqf authorities to de-seal their shops and allow shopkeepers to continue their business.
When contacted Wakf Chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi told KNS that authorities won’t allow tenants of Wakf properties to continue their business without paying rent. “Shops sealed by Wakf Board have occupied the properties illegally. Their lease have also expired years ago, and still owes 9.50 lac rupees,” Andrabi said. (KNS)
This is very wrong practice within Kashmir Shop Keepers to sub let shops to other parties despite a clause strictly bound tenants to do dom Secondly, Shop Keepers or other tenants are not willing to enhance rentals at par with escalation. SDA and SMC have now included Annual hike at 10 percent from last decade. Rent Control Appellate Authority court must also agree for reasonable enhancement of rent hike for shops, flats, commercial space within a specified time frame of ten to fifteen months at the most so that property owners do not suffer because of ineffective laws.