Encroachment on Footpath in Front of Mirpur-1 Chinese Restaurant Obstructs Public Movement

A series of makeshift shops has emerged along the footpath in front of the Chinese restaurant in Mirpur-1. From plastic utensils to sandals, clothes, handbags, and more — various goods are being sold occupying the entire footpath and parts of the road, severely hampering pedestrian movement.

Locals have complained that the footpath has been taken over by vendors, making it nearly impossible to walk through. As a result, many pedestrians are forced to walk on the main road, increasing the risk of accidents. The situation is particularly dangerous for children and the elderly.

One local pedestrian stated, “I use this road daily to get to work. Because of these stalls, it's extremely difficult to walk. Sometimes I even bump into rickshaws or cars.”

Notably, setting up shops on footpaths is legally punishable, but due to a lack of enforcement, the number of such encroachments continues to rise. Allegations of extortion from vendors by certain parties have also surfaced.

Concerned citizens are urging the authorities to take immediate action. The footpath is a public space meant for pedestrians — occupying it for commercial purposes amounts to a violation of basic public rights.