Shopian, Jan 30: Concerned over growing public inconvenience and safety hazards, the Shopian administration has issued a strict directive ordering the immediate removal of freely roaming horses from the town, particularly from market areas and busy public roads.
Officials said that a large number of horses have been seen wandering unattended across Shopian town, especially in crowded marketplaces and arterial roads. This unchecked movement has been causing frequent traffic congestion, obstructing the free flow of vehicles and pedestrians, and posing a serious threat to public safety.
“Such incidents are not only causing avoidable hardship to commuters and shopkeepers but also increasing the risk of accidents in busy areas,” an official said, adding that the situation has drawn repeated complaints from the general public.
The administration has termed the practice a public nuisance and a violation of existing laws, stressing that allowing animals to roam freely in public spaces cannot be tolerated.
In a formal notice issued by Tehsildar Shopian, Anjum Bashir Khan Khattak (JKAS), all horse owners and keepers have been directed to remove their horses from Shopian town within 24 hours of the issuance of the order and ensure that they are not allowed to roam freely in market areas, roads, or other public places.
The notice warns that failure to comply within the stipulated time will lead to strict action. “In case of non-compliance, it shall be presumed that the horses have no owners or that the owners have no objection,” the order states.
Under such circumstances, the Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Shopian, has been authorised to take such horses into custody and proceed with auctioning them or taking any other lawful course of action as provided under the relevant rules and legal provisions.
The administration has also made it clear that no further notice will be issued, and any loss, damage, or legal consequence arising out of non-compliance will be the sole responsibility of the concerned horse owners.
“This notice has been issued in the interest of public safety, smooth traffic regulation, and maintenance of public order,” the order reads.
The move has been welcomed by residents and shopkeepers, who say that roaming horses have become a recurring problem in the town. “During peak hours, it becomes extremely difficult to move through the market. The risk of accidents is always there,” a local shopkeeper said.
Authorities have appealed to horse owners to cooperate with the administration and act responsibly to avoid legal action and ensure public convenience—(KNO)
