Fazilka shopkeepers observe strike, seek construction of roads

Our Correspondent
Fazilka, January 29

Demanding construction of roads, a large number of shopkeepers observed a complete strike today.

The shopkeepers blocked the traffic on the underbridge, demanding construction of roads around it on Court Road here.

The underbridge was thrown open for a trial on August 14, 2019, even though a lot of construction work was pending. Since then, the work has virtually come to a standstill.

A shopkeeper, Chandan Kamra, said the roads leading to Court Road, railway station and bus stand passing near the underbridge had turned into muddy pathways after the recent rain.

The shopkeepers said at the time of the construction of the underbridge, the nearby roads were damaged. These are yet to be rebuilt and are causing inconvenience to shopkeepers and customers.

Another shopkeeper Sonu Loona said the roads on both sides of the underbridge were badly damaged and it had become difficult for the commuters to pass through these.

The shopkeepers said three children and two women sustained minor injuries during the last two days as they fell from their vehicles while passing through the uneven muddy roads near the bridge situated in the heart of the town. They rued that their business had virtually come to a standstill.

The shopkeepers lifted the dharna after getting an assurance from Rakesh Dhuria, president, Municipal Council, over the resumption of construction in three days.