Srinagar,July 3: A high level delegation of the Kashmir Traders & Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) led by its President Mohammad Yaseen Khan today called on the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir Omar Abdullah and held an extensive meeting on several long-pending issues concerning traders, traditional artisans and workers across Kashmir.
The delegation comprised of 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, 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 rendered livelihood less and called for a comprehensive rehabilitation package, including suitable relocation before any displacement is undertaken.
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 livelihood of thousands of local craftsmen and artisans. It appealed to 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.
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.
Another major issue raised by the KTMF was the long pending rental disputes involving traders under the Housing & Urban Development Department. KTMF delegation requested the Chief Minister to direct the concerned authorities to resolve these matters on priority, 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 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.”
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 Hon’ble Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to all 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.
