Srinagar, Sep 22 (KNO): A delegation of the Kashmir Traders & Manufacturers Federation (KTMF), led by its President Mohammad Yaseen Khan, on Tuesday met IGP Kashmir Sujit Kumar Singh and discussed issues related to traffic, parking, policing and other concerns of traders across Kashmir.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said that a high-level delegation of KTMF led by its President Mohammad Yaseen Khan called on newly appointed Inspector General of Police Kashmir Zone Sujit Kumar Singh and held a detailed interaction on issues concerning the trade community across Kashmir.
The spokesperson said that Khan and the entire KTMF delegation conveyed their congratulations and best wishes to Singh on assuming the responsibility of IGP Kashmir. The KTMF leadership expressed confidence that his experience and leadership would further strengthen policing and police-public coordination across the Valley.
He said the meeting focused on strengthening police-public coordination, improving communication between the police and business community, traffic management, policing-related concerns and timely redressal of issues faced by traders at the district level.
The spokesperson said the KTMF delegation comprised senior members and representatives of various district trade bodies, including Qazi Tauseef, Bashir Ahmad Rather, Javaid Ahmad Zargar, President Jamia Traders Federation, Ghulam Hassan Parra, President Traders Federation Ganderbal, Mohammad Usman Turray, Senior Vice President Traders Federation Shopian, Mohammad Iqbal Dhobi, Acting President Traders Federation Kulgam, Rouf Ahmad Reshi, General Secretary Traders Federation Pulwama, Nasir Bashir, President Traders Federation Pattan, and Asif Ahmad, President Traders Federation Tangmarg.
“During the meeting, district presidents of KTMF and representatives apprised the IGP of various localised issues concerning traffic management, regulation, policing, parking, movement of commercial vehicles and other matters affecting traders and business establishments in their respective areas.”
The spokesperson said KTMF representatives explained the practical difficulties being faced by traders and emphasised the importance of regular coordination between district trade bodies and the police administration so that genuine issues can be identified and addressed promptly.
The IGP gave a patient hearing to the representatives and, in several matters, issued directions on the spot for necessary action and redressal. He also directed the concerned District SSPs to examine and address the issues raised by traders from their respective districts, providing a mechanism for follow-up and resolution at the district level.
During the meeting, senior KTMF member Javaid Ahmad Zargar, representing the Jamia Masjid and Downtown Srinagar areas, raised the long-pending demand for establishing a fire station in the vicinity of Jamia Masjid Srinagar, highlighting the congested nature of the area and the need for an effective emergency response mechanism.
Zargar also raised the issue of adequate parking facilities in Downtown Srinagar, pointing out that parking and traffic-related difficulties continue to affect traders, residents and visitors and require coordinated attention.
KTMF President Mohammad Yaseen Khan expressed appreciation to the IGP Kashmir for the prompt response and on-the-spot directions, describing the interaction as constructive and meaningful.
Khan said the trade community is an important stakeholder in maintaining a peaceful, orderly and vibrant commercial environment and that regular interaction between the police and traders is essential for addressing issues before they develop into larger problems.
Khan thanked the IGP for giving the delegation adequate time and for taking a positive approach towards the concerns raised by representatives from different districts.
The district representatives also placed before the IGP their respective concerns relating to traffic regulation, policing arrangements, movement of goods and vehicles, market security and other local issues.
The KTMF delegation appreciated the IGP’s assurance that the concerns would be taken up through the concerned district police administrations and followed up appropriately.
KTMF stressed that such direct interactions should continue regularly as they provide a platform for police and trade representatives to understand each other’s concerns, improve coordination and ensure timely resolution of genuine issues.
Khan reiterated that KTMF would continue to extend its cooperation to the police and civil administration in matters aimed at maintaining peace, public safety, orderly traffic management and a conducive environment for trade and commerce—(KNO)