‘Pratap Park Or Protesting Park’

Srinagar: Pratap Park, located in the heart of Srinagar city has been converted into a protesting park by employees who are having grievances be it Anganwari workers, SSA teachers, ReT’s and others.

Pratap Park that was officially thrown open for public in 2016 June was renovated after hit by devastating September 2014 floods under a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project.

This Park which adds to the beauty of the heart of Srinagar city has become a favourite place for all the protesters who assemble there to attract the attention of the government.

“Though for registering your protest, there is Press Enclave opposite to Pratap Park, yet the protesters enter into this beautiful park and disfigure its beauty. It is the responsibility of all the citizens to maintain this park,” said a trader.

“Its no more a hanging out spot for common people but virtually it has been turning out a designated spot for registering protests,” he added.

The routine protests in the park are disfiguring its beauty while Floriculture Department is in deep slumber. Ironically, the Department has locked its main gate opposite to Press Enclave for common people but it has been taking no action against those who organize protests there on daily basis.

Protesters not only occupy Pratap Park but they also assemble at Sher-i-Kashmir Park and the Dhalia Garden opposite to this park.

“You can’t blame protesters only. Every beautiful spot in Kashmir are being disfigured. Political rallies at Sher-i-Kashmir Park and Cricket Stadium Sonwar have also defaced the prettiness of those spots,” said a man part of a protest at Pratap Park. (CNS)