Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) today said the government cannot take traders and the flood hit people of Kashmir for granted. The alliance hailed the people for making Kashmir Bandh a success.
The call for the strike was issued by KEA against what it said the government’s failure to provide relief and rehabilitation to the flood-affected people in the state.
The call was subsequently supported by various traders and political groups in Kashmir.
KEA Chairman Showkat M Chowdhary said: “We appreciate people for making Kashmir bandh a success.”
Chowdhary said the strike by the people is a clear message to the government that it can’t take traders’ bodies or the people for granted “as we are united for the common cause of economic development.”
“We are working for economic development of the state. Government can’t ignore the business sectors which are engine of growth,” Chowdhary said.
Pertinently, police had arrested KEA Chairman Chowdhary from him residence at 7 AM today. It had arrested several other traders’ leaders to foil their march which was scheduled during the day.
Shifting of Batamaloo bus stand
Chowdhary said: “Government is biased against Kashmir Valley.”
“All the measures taken by the government are anti-people. Planning to shift the Batamaloo bus terminal will not only affect the transporters, it will also hit the shopkeepers in the terminal.”
“Around 2000 shopkeepers are dependent on the bus stand at Batamaloo. Government is hell bent on snatching our livelihood,” he said.
Meanwhile, several traders’ organizations including KEA condemned the arrest of traders.
Chief spokesman KEA M Y Chappri said the proposed protest had no political motive as the shutdown call was given to press for compensation against damages caused due to floods.
“We wanted to take peaceful protest just to remind government of its responsibilities. Government should understand that business community is united and they will seek compensation at any cost,” Chapri said.
He thanked various traders’ bodies for supporting the strike of and making it a success.
Vice-Chairman KEA Farooq Ahmad Dar said government wants to weaken the Valley’s economic sectors.
President KTF Haji Jan Muhammad Koul said the shopkeepers have not been compensated after the floods for which government should feel ashamed.
Besides, Joint Committee of Private Schools and Kashmir Hotels and Restaurant Association also condemned the police action against KEA members.
Meanwhile KEA has called Executive Committee Members meeting on September 8 to chalk out future programme.
