Bandipora, Mar 28:  This north Kashmir district observed a complete shutdown for third consecutive day Wednesday against the failure of the district administration to regulate the traffic and ensure development in the area. The traders have decided to intensify the protests after their demands were rejected by the administration.
 Shops and other business establishments remained closed while traffic was off the roads. Traders along with a few noted political activists also staged protest and marched from Main chowk Bandipora to Deputy Commissioner’s office carrying placards and black flags.
 Pertinently, Bandipora town has been observing shutdown for past three days in response to the strike call given by Coordination Committee spearheading the agitation against the alleged failure of district administration to mitigate the sufferings of locals. “We visited deputy commissioner’s office recently and apprised him about our problems and demands but he rejected these out rightly,” the CC members said.  
  “I have done whatever was required,” they quoted DC as having told them. 
 Addressing the demonstrators, Muhammad Yousuf Parra, said people are living in miserable conditions from the past two years. “We have risen up against the political and administrative apathy. We appeal all the people especially youth to come forward to end the crisis,” Para said.
 Pertinently, the District Development Commissioner, Bandipora Manzoor Ahmed Lone last year had ordered that no vehicle should be allowed to enter inside the main market to avoid any congestion and accidents. Although the move was appreciated by the people, but the traders and transporters raised  hue and cry against the order.
 Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Manzoor Ahmed Lone has asked Magistrate to hold negotiations with CC members.  They are demanding that one-way traffic should be allowed to move through the main market but officials are reluctant to fulfill this demand keeping in view the narrowness of the main road in the town.
  The demands put forward by the CCC members are: Opening of vehicular traffic from main market, construction of Kaloosa bridge, repair of Sopore-Bandipora –Srinagar road.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 28 Mar 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 28 Mar 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 29 Mar 2012 00:00:00 IST