KCCI members, other businessmen, launch “You Are Not Alone” relief initiative

Srinagar: Prominent members of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by Javed Ahmed Tenga, former President, alongwith other affiliated associations today launched a socio-economic initiative under the slogan – You Are Not Alone (YANA).

The initiative was started off by leading businessman of Kashmir Mustaq Ahmad Chaya (Chairman, Hoteliers Club) and, among others, was attended by Past Presidents Abdul Hamid Punjabi and Mustaq A Wani (KCC&I Relief Trust), Wahid Malik (KHAROF), Manzoor Ahmad Wangoo (NTTA, NALCO), Tariq Ahmad Mir and Abdul Wahid Harco (KHARA), Mohammed Amin (Houseboat Owners Association), Abrar Ahmad Khan (Batamaloo Traders Association), Fayaz Ahmad Punjabi, Farhan Kitab and Irfan Jeelani (JCCCC), Ashfaq Ahmad Dug and Habib Ullah Pandow (TAAK), Ibrahim Siah (SKAL), Basharat Husain (KCCA), Mohammad Latief Bhat (J&K Shawl Exporters Association) and other general members of the KCC&I.

Explaining the objectives of the “YANA” Initiative, Nasir Hamid Khan, Chief Coordinator (YANA) said, “in view of our individual efforts not being enough to meet the unprecedented challenge posed by the Covid pandemic, the members of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry have decided to join hands to address the immediate needs of our vulnerable sections of economy and mitigate their sufferings to the maximum extent possible”.

The “You Are Not Alone” initiative aims to provide the families of vulnerable persons connected with trade, commerce and industry like auto rikshaw/taxi/bus drivers and conductors, shikarawala’s, artisans and weavers, daily wagers, footpath vendors and other workers with their monthly ration and other essential requirements. From the village artisans in Anantnag, shikarawala’s in Srinagar, bus driver in Kupwara, footpath vendor in Ganderbal to the pony walla’s in Gulmarg, we hope to reach out to all persons belonging to our hand-to-mouth weaker sections, the participating members said.

“The thought behind this initiative is that whereas in their individual capacity members of the business community are doing their bit towards assisting the underprivileged amongst us, there is an urgent need for sector-wise assistance. This is also important because the economic disruption caused by the pandemic is likely to stay for some time and a 3^rd wave is also forecasted. For this purpose, it is vital that a proper structure is given to the “You Are Not Alone” initiative in order to make it focused, meaningful and effective”, a spokesperson of the initiative told Ziraat Times.

“These are difficult times which demand pooling of our resources and liberal support from all. We appeal to all organisations, market associations, members of the business community and also the general public having resources to kindly support this initiative for enabling us to meet the objectives. District level business organisations of Kashmir are also urged to start similar interventions for protecting the weak amongst us”, the members said.

“Being conscious about the fact that a family has other requirements in addition to rations, we are also working on the logistics of providing for other items like clothes, shoes, books, stationery, furniture, toys, etc in the second phase”, the members said.