Jammu, Dec 10: The Kashmir Traders & Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) on Tuesday met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Jammu and sought immediate government intervention to address the severe financial and operational distress faced by the business community across Kashmir.
The delegation, led by KTMF President Mohammad Yaseen Khan and senior functionary Qazi Tauseef, apprised the Chief Minister of the “unprecedented hardships” confronting traders as markets continue to witness steep drops in sales and mounting financial liabilities.
Traders Facing Severe Financial Stress
KTMF informed the Chief Minister that small and medium traders are struggling with rising bank liabilities, high interest burdens, and inadequate working capital support. Many long-standing business establishments, they said, are finding it difficult to sustain operations without immediate relief measures.
Demand for Market Modernisation
The federation also urged the government to prioritise redevelopment of traditional markets across Srinagar and other districts. They highlighted poor infrastructure, inadequate parking, erratic power supply and lack of digital systems as major constraints to business growth.
Traffic Congestion Hurting Trade
KTMF raised strong concern over worsening traffic congestion in Srinagar, saying unregulated movement and overcrowded routes have become a persistent hurdle for trade and customer footfall. Frequent delays in transporting goods, they added, are affecting commercial activity in key business hubs.
Frequent Fire Incidents, Street Vending Issues Flagged
The federation drew attention to repeated fire incidents destroying market clusters and demanded stronger fire safety infrastructure in commercial areas.
KTMF also called for regulation of street vending and encroachments, stating that they disrupt organised markets, obstruct customer movement, and damage shopfront visibility.
Call for Comprehensive Revival Plan
Urging the government to frame a comprehensive revival package, KTMF sought targeted financial support, infrastructure upgrades and stricter traffic regulation to stabilise the trade environment.
KTMF President Mohammad Yaseen Khan said the Chief Minister gave the delegation a patient hearing and assured them that the “genuine issues” raised would be addressed. Omar Abdullah, he added, acknowledged the significant role of KTMF in representing lakhs of traders and expressed the government’s willingness to work closely with the federation for Kashmir’s economic stability.
