KTMF Urges CM to Address Traders’ Rehabilitation, Copper Industry Crisis and Rental Disputes

Ziraat Times News Desk 

Srinagar, July 3: A senior delegation of the Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF), led by its President Mohammad Yaseen Khan, on Friday met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and sought early resolution of several long-pending issues concerning traders, traditional artisans and workers across Kashmir.

The delegation included KTMF functionary Qazi Tauseef, Ganderbal Traders Federation President Ghulam Hassan Parra, Vice President Mehrajuddin Sheikh, Kashmir Copper Workers Trade Union Chairman Jan Mohammad Misgar and President Arshid Ahmad Khan.

During the meeting, the Ganderbal Traders Federation raised concerns over the proposed displacement of shopkeepers due to ongoing and planned infrastructure projects in the district. The delegation urged the Chief Minister to ensure that no trader loses his livelihood as a result of development works and sought a comprehensive rehabilitation package, including suitable relocation of affected shopkeepers before any displacement is carried out.

The Kashmir Copper Workers Trade Union, which represents nearly 50,000 workers, highlighted what it described as the declining state of Kashmir’s centuries-old copper craft. The union demanded an immediate ban on machine-made copper products, alleging that such products have severely affected the livelihoods of thousands of local artisans and craftsmen.

The delegation also urged the government to introduce measures for protecting genuine handmade copperware, promoting traditional craftsmanship and ensuring sustainable employment opportunities for workers associated with the sector. It further sought institutional support, market protection and policy interventions to revive the traditional copper industry.

Another major issue raised during the meeting was the long-pending rental disputes involving traders operating under the Housing and Urban Development Department. The KTMF requested the Chief Minister to direct the concerned authorities to resolve the matter on priority, stating that prolonged uncertainty had caused financial hardship to affected traders.

Speaking after the meeting, Mohammad Yaseen Khan said the trading community, traditional artisans and workers had been facing several genuine issues for years and urged the government to prioritise their resolution.

“We urged the Hon’ble Chief Minister to address these matters on priority, particularly the rehabilitation of displaced traders, protection of Kashmir’s traditional copper industry from machine-made products and resolution of pending rental issues. These concerns directly affect the livelihoods of thousands of families and deserve immediate government intervention,” Khan said.

He added that the federation remains committed to safeguarding the interests of the business community while working with the government for the economic development of Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the statement, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah gave a patient hearing to the issues raised by the delegation and assured its members that all the matters would be examined sympathetically. He also assured them that the government is committed to addressing the genuine concerns of traders, artisans and workers and that appropriate steps would be taken for their early redressal.