Jalandhar, October 29: The long-running dispute between the Raowali Gram Panchayat and firecracker traders over the proposed temporary market near Pathankot Bypass has reportedly been resolved through mutual agreement. Following discussions involving village sarpanch Jasbir Singh Rana and representatives of the firecracker associations, both sides have reached an understanding aimed at ending their differences. Traders say the settlement has also cleared the way for the proposed market to be established at its originally selected location on Raowali-Bhogpur Road, near Pathankot Chowk, subject to the necessary official permissions.
The disagreement had created uncertainty over the future of the seasonal market, with concerns raised about safety arrangements and the suitability of the proposed location. The matter subsequently reached the court under the title Gram Panchayat versus Vikas Bhandari. An interim restriction on establishing and operating the market had added to the difficulties faced by traders, who were awaiting clarity over whether preparations could proceed.
According to information shared by representatives involved in the settlement, discussions between the panchayat and the firecracker market associations helped address the differences that had led to the dispute. Sarpanch Jasbir Singh Rana participated in the discussions, while advocate Jitendra Singh Dupper also played a role in the matter. Both parties reportedly agreed to work together rather than continue their disagreement over the proposed market.
Firecracker association representatives Vikas Bhandari, Dheeraj Kumar, Ravi Mahajan and Sanjeev Bahri, along with other members, expressed their agreement with the terms discussed with the village panchayat. The representatives said that cooperation between the two sides would be essential for maintaining proper arrangements at the market and addressing concerns raised by nearby residents.
During the discussions, the Gram Panchayat reportedly assured the traders of its cooperation in matters related to the market. In return, association representatives committed to making suitable safety arrangements and following the applicable requirements. Both sides agreed that public safety and orderly market operations should remain central considerations.
One of the most significant developments concerns the legal proceedings that had temporarily prevented the proposed market from operating. According to the settlement information provided by the parties, the stay affecting the market has been withdrawn following the agreement. However, a copy of the latest court order has not been independently examined, and the precise legal status will depend on the court's recorded directions.
The proposed temporary market is planned for Raowali village on Bhogpur Road, close to Pathankot Chowk and the Pathankot Bypass. The location had become the centre of the dispute after objections were raised over the proposed arrangements. With the parties now reporting a settlement, attention is expected to shift towards completing the remaining administrative requirements and confirming the arrangements for the market.
The agreement marks a change from the tense situation witnessed in recent days, when traders had announced plans to protest against the village sarpanch over the continuing disagreement. Subsequent discussions appear to have helped both sides move towards a negotiated resolution, with representatives placing greater emphasis on cooperation and safety.
Although the settlement is a significant development, the commencement of market operations remains subject to the applicable court directions, licensing requirements and administrative approvals. The agreement between the parties does not, by itself, replace those requirements.
For now, the reported understanding between the Raowali Panchayat and the firecracker traders has brought a measure of relief to those involved in the dispute. Both sides have expressed their intention to cooperate, with the next steps depending on the completion of the necessary legal and administrative formalities.
For permission to reuse our original reporting or images, contact The Jalandhar Times.
