A viral video of Shahnaz, a woman street vendor in Jammu, has sparked widespread debate about the hardships faced by small traders during ongoing anti-encroachment drives in the city. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The video, shared widely on social media, shows Shahnaz breaking down emotionally as she speaks about her struggle to earn a living. She runs a redi (handcart) and depends on daily sales to support her family. In the clip, she questions the authorities about where she can legally set up her cart, saying repeated removals have left her with no stable way to survive.
Her emotional words have struck a chord with thousands of people online, many of whom see her story as a reflection of the problems faced by street vendors across Jammu.
Impact of Encroachment Drives
The video comes at a time when authorities, including the Jammu Municipal Corporation and the Jammu Development Authority, are carrying out strict anti-encroachment drives. These actions aim to clear footpaths, roadsides, and busy market areas of unauthorised stalls to reduce traffic congestion and improve public movement.
While officials say these drives are necessary for city management and public safety, street vendors argue that the sudden removals are damaging their livelihoods. Many claim they are not provided with alternative vending spaces, leaving them without income.
Women Vendors Hit Hardest
Women vendors like Shahnaz are among the most affected. With limited resources and few employment options, street vending is often their only source of income. Repeated evictions, confiscation of goods, and uncertainty make daily survival difficult for them.
Social media users have expressed sympathy for Shahnaz, calling for authorities to adopt a more humane approach that balances city development with the right to earn a living.
No Official Response Yet
So far, no official statement has been issued in response to Shahnaz’s viral video. However, the incident has once again highlighted the ongoing tension between urban regulation and the informal economy in Jammu.
The video has become a powerful reminder that behind every roadside cart is a family struggling to survive — and that development policies must consider the human cost as well.
Shahnaz was Talking With JK Dairy News
You Might Also Like:
At 13, This Kashmiri Boy Built 31 Apps and AI Tools
Delhi Court Convicts Kashmiri Separatist Asiya Andrabi in UAPA Case
Pahalgam Railway Line Is About Future, Not Fear—Connectivity Is Development