Srinagar, Apr 22: The Regal Chowk Traders Association (RCTA) Thursday accused the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) of resorting to harassment of the shopkeepers in the historic marketplace here.

Farhan Kitab General Secretary (RCTA) said that SMC during inspection put the traders to harassment in the name of fine for littering.

He said they represent historic marketplace, which is known for obedience to law and order but that they were harassed.

“One of the prominent shopkeepers was imposed a fine for littering when he was actually taking new stocks inside. He was directed to pay fine of Rs 5,000 within two minutes or that it would be doubled. We are not against discipline but this is not the right approach,” the traders said.

The traders appealed Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to personally look into the matter. kno