Srinagar: A delegation from the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), led by its President Javid Ahmad Tenga, met the Honourable Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, at Raj Bhawan on Saturday to express the business community’s deep anguish and condemnation over the gruesome Pahalgam attack that claimed the lives of 26 tourists and one local horseman.
The delegation, comprising Junior Vice President Fayaz Ahmad Punjabi, Secretary General Faiz Bakshi, and Joint Secretary General Umar Nazir Tibetbaqal, conveyed to the Lieutenant Governor that the barbaric incident had deeply wounded the “Soul of Kashmir,” leaving the entire populace shattered and grieving.
During the meeting, President Javid Ahmad Tenga stressed that the moment was not about discussing business interests but about mourning the devastating human losses that had struck at the core of Kashmiri society. “These tragic deaths transcend economic considerations and strike at the very heart of our shared humanity,” Tenga said.
The KCCI delegation informed the LG about their plan to visit the families of the Pahalgam victims to express solidarity and sought his support in facilitating the visit. The Lieutenant Governor assured his full cooperation at an appropriate time.
Concerns were also raised regarding reports of harassment faced by Kashmiri students, businessmen, and residents living outside Jammu and Kashmir following the Pahalgam incident. The Chamber requested the LG’s intervention with the central and state governments to ensure that no Kashmiri citizen faces intimidation or threats elsewhere in the country.
Responding to the concerns, LG Sinha informed the delegation that the issue had already been taken up with the Union Home Ministry, which subsequently issued directions to all states and Union Territories to ensure the safety and security of Kashmiri students and businessmen.
Expressing his disappointment over the incident, the Lieutenant Governor acknowledged the damage caused to the region’s peace, tranquillity, and burgeoning tourism sector. He reiterated that the attack was aimed at disrupting the significant progress achieved through strenuous efforts by the government and stakeholders alike.
The KCCI delegation also highlighted another pressing issue: the drastic 80 percent reduction in the private Hajj quota across India. They apprised the LG about the problems faced by local private Hajj operators and the uncertainty among intending pilgrims, particularly concerning the refund of payments made to Saudi counterparts. The Chamber sought the LG’s intervention with the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
LG Sinha assured the delegation that he would take up the matter with the Ministry to find a resolution.
Reaffirming its unwavering commitment to peace, progress, and development in Jammu and Kashmir, the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry pledged its full support to all constructive efforts, including in ensuring the smooth and successful conduct of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.
