FCIK elections: J&K Govt to deploy neutral observers

Srinagar: In a significant development aimed at restoring democratic functioning within Kashmir’s premier industrial body, the Chief Minister’s Secretariat has intervened to address the ongoing election crisis in the Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK). The move follows sustained demands from the industrial community for transparent and constitutionally compliant elections.

The intervention comes in response to a detailed memorandum submitted on May 6, 2025, by FCIK President Shahid Kamili, supported by 26 heads of industrial estates and district-level units. The memorandum highlighted grave constitutional violations, procedural irregularities, and lack of transparency by the now-dissolved FCIK Election Commission, which had led to legal wrangling and widespread discontent across the industrial sector.

Taking cognizance of the crisis, the Chief Minister’s Office has directed the Director of Industries and Commerce, Kashmir, to deploy neutral observers from the department to oversee the election process. Furthermore, the Director has been instructed to consider taking temporary custody of the FCIK office at Industrial Estate Barzullah to ensure a secure and neutral environment during the transition.

The Director has also been tasked with ensuring that the election process strictly adheres to the FCIK Constitution and bylaws.

The government’s directive comes in the wake of the Extraordinary General Body Meeting held on May 4, 2025, which resulted in the formation of a new Advisory Committee. This committee, now vested with constitutional authority, has been mandated to establish a fresh and impartial Election Commission to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections under the supervision of external observers and government-appointed representatives.

The move has been widely welcomed by the Valley’s industrial community. Members of the newly constituted Advisory Committee praised the Chief Minister’s timely response, calling it a much-needed step to revive faith in the institution. “We are fully committed to conducting fair elections with full transparency and under strict constitutional guidelines,” the Committee said in a joint statement.

Entrepreneurs and industrialists across Kashmir have expressed relief and optimism, viewing the government’s intervention as a turning point in FCIK’s recent turbulent phase. Many believe the organisation is now poised to reclaim its role as a credible voice for the region’s industrial and economic development.