Pampore residents protest against proposed shopping mall project at sumo stand
Locals, BJP leaders urge government to revoke plan, safeguard livelihoods
Pulwama: Residents of Pampore on Tuesday staged a protest at Tanchabagh Sumo Stand against government’s proposed plan of constructing a shopping mall at the site.
Scores of protesters, including drivers, shopkeepers, and political leaders, gathered at the site holding placards and raising slogans against the government, particularly targeting the Omar Abdullah-led administration for what they termed an “anti-people” decision.
“This Sumo stand is not just a patch of land; it is the backbone of Pampore’s working-class economy. Dismantling it will throw hundreds of families into crisis,” said one of the protesting drivers.
Protesters said the stand provides daily income to scores of people, including transporters, vendors, and small shopkeepers.
“If the shopping mall is constructed here, what will happen to the drivers and shop owners who have been dependent on this place for decades?” asked another protestor, urging the administration to find alternative sites for development without endangering existing livelihood sources.
The protest saw participation from senior BJP leaders, who echoed the sentiments of the demonstrators. BJP District President Er Syed Showket Gayoor Andrabi, BJP Pulwama Vice President Pusha Wangnoo, General Secretary Mohammad Asif Ganaie, and Constituency President Javaid Ahmad all joined the protest and expressed firm opposition to the project.
Er Showket Gayoor said, “We stand with the people of Pampore. Development must not come at the cost of livelihoods. The government must withdraw this plan immediately.”
The BJP leaders reiterated the demand to preserve the Tanchabagh Sumo Stand and advised the administration to consult with locals before finalizing any land use decisions.
Locals said they would continue their agitation until the project is officially cancelled.
