Srinagar, Jul 03 (KNO): A delegation of the Kashmir Traders & Manufacturers Federation (KTMF), led by President Mohammad Yaseen Khan, on Friday called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and sought his immediate intervention to resolve their long-pending issues.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a KTMF spokesperson said a high-level delegation of Federation led by its President Mohammad Yaseen Khan, met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and held an extensive meeting on several long-pending issues concerning traders, traditional artisans and workers across Kashmir.
He said the delegation discussed issues affecting traders, traditional artisans and workers, including rehabilitation of displaced shopkeepers, protection of Kashmir’s copper craft and settlement of pending rental disputes.
The delegation comprised senior KTMF functionary Qazi Tauseef; Ghulam Hassan Parra, President, Ganderbal Traders Federation; Mehrajuddin Sheikh, Vice President, Ganderbal Traders Federation; Jan Mohammad Misgar, Chairman, Kashmir Copper Workers Trade Union; and Arshid Ahmad Khan, President, Kashmir Copper Workers Trade Union.
“During the meeting, the Ganderbal Traders Federation raised serious concerns regarding the proposed displacement of several shopkeepers due to ongoing and upcoming developmental works. They urged the Chief Minister to ensure that no trader is deprived of their livelihood and called for a comprehensive rehabilitation package, including suitable relocation before any displacement is undertaken,” the spokesperson said.
He said the Kashmir Copper Workers Trade Union, representing nearly 50,000 workers, highlighted the alarming decline of Kashmir’s centuries-old copper craft. The union strongly demanded an immediate ban on machine-made copper products, stating that such products have severely impacted the livelihoods of thousands of local craftsmen and artisans.
The traders urged the government to introduce effective measures for protecting genuine handmade copperware, preserving the traditional craft and ensuring sustainable employment for artisans associated with the sector, he said.
The spokesperson said the delegation also discussed several other issues concerning the welfare of copper workers, including institutional support, market protection, promotion of indigenous craftsmanship and policy interventions aimed at reviving the traditional industry.
He said another major issue raised by the KTMF was the long-pending rental disputes involving traders under the Housing & Urban Development Department. The KTMF delegation requested the Chief Minister to direct the concerned authorities to resolve these matters on a priority basis, as prolonged uncertainty has caused considerable financial hardship to the affected traders.
Speaking after the meeting, Mohammad Yaseen Khan said, “The trading community, traditional artisans and workers have been facing several genuine issues for years. We urged the 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.”
He added that KTMF remains committed to safeguarding the interests of the business community while working closely with the government for the economic development of Jammu & Kashmir. The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to the issues presented by the delegation and assured them that each matter would be examined sympathetically.
“He assured the delegation that the government is committed to addressing the genuine concerns of traders, artisans and workers and that appropriate action would be taken for the early redressal of the issues,” the spokesperson said—(KNO)