Srinagar, Mar 8 (UNI) As coronavirus threat looms large across the country, the famous ‘Sunday market’ was closed as a precautionary measure to prevent gathering of people in this summer capital.
However, hundreds of youth are participating in ‘Khelo India Winter Games’ at world famous ski resort of Gulmarg, despite appeal for its cancellation in view of the coronavirus threat from various sections of society, including Mayor of Srinagar Junaid Azim Mattu.
“I have ordered the closure of the ‘Sunday Market’ in #Srinagar tomorrow as a precautionary measure in view of #COVID2019,” Mr Mattu wrote on the official twitter handle of Mayor of Srinagar.
The Mayor said he has spoken to SMC Commissioner and SSP Srinagar – instructing coordinated efforts to ensure all gatherings in Srinagar are prevented and discouraged.
The Sunday market on the 3-km-long road stretch from Radio Kashmir to Lal Chowk, the nerve centre of the summer capital, usually attracts thousands of customers from different parts of the Valley. Business worth crores of rupees is done every week in the market in which goods, ranging from a hairpin to carpets, are sold on economical rates.
However, the entire road stretch was deserted as vendors were not allowed to put up their stalls in the market. “It is ironic that we were not allowed to put up stalls in the market as it is our only source of income. If the gathering of people is dangerous, then why are hundreds of people assembled in Gulmarg, where the administration of J&K is holding winter games,” Shabir Ahmad, a vendor, told UNI.
Mr Mattu said in view of the coronavirus situation, he personally felt that the ‘Khelo India’ sports event in Gulmarg should be cancelled. “I have conveyed this to the administration as well as the Lieutenant Governor of J&K, G C Murmu. Precautions are vital,” he said.
