Traders protest delay in relief to flood-affected businessmen

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, March 4

The Valley traders today observed a shutdown and protested the delay in rehabilitation of flood-hit business community at city centre Lal Chowk.

As the strike was called by the Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) and supported by other business bodies, maximum effect of the call was felt in the Lal Chowk markets. The floods last year had had the maximum effect on shopkeepers of the city and parts of south Kashmir.

Several trade leaders, including KTMF president Muhammad Yasin Khan, addressed the protestors and threatened to intensify the stir if their demands were not met.

Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) chief spokesman Siraj Ahmad termed the strike call “100 per cent successful”.

He said they had received reports that the strike was observed in other districts as well, including Kulgam, Shopian and Baramulla.

Besides suitable compensation for the losses, the traders have been demanding exemption on tax and soft loans, 10-year interest-free advance as business capital, 20-year interest-free advance towards construction of commercial building and suspension of all taxes, including VAT and income tax, till the traders get rehabilitated.

The separatists too extended support to the traders. Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik was seen taking part in the protest march near Ghanta Ghar.

Calling the protests by the traders “justified”, moderate Hurriyat leader Javaid Ahmad Mir also participated in the protest march.

Mir condemned the “indifferent and callous” attitude of the government towards the problems faced by the trader community. He conveyed solidarity and support to the traders on behalf of the amalgam’s chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.