MIRPUR (Kashmir English): Several arrested after Tailors Association held a protest demonstration at Chowk Shaheed in Mirpur, rejecting the suit sewing rate list.
Earlier this Ramadan, the district administration issued a suit sewing rate list for the city and surrounding areas ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. The simple sewing of a suit was fixed at 1300 rupees, double stitching at 1400 rupees, and gum stitching at 1500 rupees.
Following the issuance of the rate list, the district magistrates visited tailor shops in the city to implement the order and took action against those who were not complying with the rate list.
Several tailors were arrested and many of the shops were sealed during the routine inspections, over which a big demonstration was held today by the Tailors Association of Mirpur district.
The Tailors Association demanded that the suit sewing rates issued by the administration should be increased, as the rates are less than what it costs.
“It is unfair to issue a two-year-old rate despite the increasing inflation.”
On the other hand, the district administration maintained the stance that they tried to negotiate with the members of the Tailors Association, but they refused and blocked the road, obstructing the movement of the public.
As the situation worsened, police resorted to baton-charge and arrested some of the protestors to disperse them. Later, the protestors were dispersed and Chowk Shaheed was opened for traffic.
Ghulam Jilani, member of the Joint Awami Action Committee, was also leading the protest and was arrested by the district administration.
The Joint Awami Action Committee Mirpur, in its initial statement, has taken the position that Ghulam Jilani joined this protest in his personal capacity.
JAAC condemned the police’s baton charge on the protesters, however, the committee will issue its statement after consultation.
