Srinagar, Sept 28: Shariq Ahmad Bhat has been elected as the new President of the Traders Federation Kulgam after a keenly contested election in which 1,096 votes were cast out of an electorate of 1,719.
The Kashmir Traders & Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) congratulated Bhat on his election and hailed the participation of the Kulgam trade community in what it described as a historic electoral process.
KTMF President Mohammad Yaseen Khan congratulated Bhat and extended his best wishes to the newly elected team, expressing confidence that the new leadership would work with unity, dedication and commitment for the welfare of traders in Kulgam.
Nine candidates contested the election: Shabir Ahmad Shah, Shariq Ahmad Bhat, Bashir Ahmad Mir, Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, Irshad Maqbool, Muzaffar Ahmad Hajam, Junaid Iqbal, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat and Mohammad Iqbal Sofi.
Bhat secured 350 votes to emerge as the successful candidate.
KTMF congratulated all the candidates and traders for participating in the electoral process in what it described as a dignified and constructive manner.
The Federation also placed on record its appreciation for Mohammad Iqbal Dhobi, former President of Traders Federation Kulgam, for supporting the Election Commissioner and the election process. KTMF said his cooperation and mature approach contributed to the smooth conduct of the polls and strengthening unity among Kulgam traders.
KTMF also appreciated Election Commissioner Traders Federation Kulgam Mohammad Ashraf Bhat and his team for conducting the elections in a fair, transparent and orderly manner.
The Federation thanked the District Administration Kulgam and District Police Kulgam for their cooperation and for ensuring the smooth and peaceful conduct of the election.
