KTMF calls on CM Omar Abdullah, seeks immediate business revival measures

Jammu, Dec 10: Kashmir Traders & Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) led by its President Mohammad Yaseen Khan and accompanied by KTMF senior functionary Qazi Tauseef on Wednesday called on the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Jammu and discussed in detail the growing hardships faced by the trading community across the Valley.

During the meeting, KTMF highlighted that the business sector is going through one of its toughest phases with markets witnessing a steep decline in sales and traders facing an unprecedented financial crunch.

KTMF highlighted that small and medium traders are reeling under mounting financial stress caused by increasing bank liabilities,high interest burdens and extremely limited working capital support from financial institutions. The delegation expressed concern that without substantial relief mechanisms many long standing business establishments are finding it difficult to sustain operations or recover from successive economic setbacks, said a press release.

KTMF also emphasised the urgent need for modernisation of traditional markets across Srinagar and other districts. KTMF underlined that decades old market structures now suffer from poor infrastructure, inadequate parking facilities, erratic power supply and lack of digital support systems all of which are collectively hampering business growth. They requested the government to take up market redevelopment and infrastructure strengthening as priority initiatives.

KTMF also expressed serious concern over the worsening traffic jamming in Srinagar city and other districts which have turned into a persistent hurdle for trade movement. KTMF stressed that unregulated traffic and congested routes have not only discouraged customer footfall but have also increased transportation delays significantly impacting commercial activities in major business hubs.

Another key issue raised during the meeting was the rising number of frequent fire incidents, which have caused repeated devastation in markets and inflicted heavy losses on traders. KTMF urged the government to strengthen fire safety infrastructure and introduce preventive measures to safeguard congested commercial areas.

Serious concern was also raised over the deteriorating trade environment due to unregulated street vending and growing encroachments in market corridors. KTMF told the Chief Minister that these issues are severely affecting organised business zones and causing disruption to shopfronts, customer movement, and overall market discipline. KTMF called for a balanced approach that safeguards both livelihoods and organised trade. KTMF pressed for a comprehensive business revival plan to restore confidence among traders. They requested targeted interventions from the government, including financial support mechanisms, infrastructure improvements and strict enforcement of traffic regulation measures to ease the difficulties being faced by the trading community.

KTMF President Mohammad Yaseen Khan said, “Hon’ble Chief Minister Omar Abdullah gave us a patient hearing and assured us that all genuine issues put forth by KTMF would be taken up for timely redressal. He also acknowledged the vital role played by KTMF in representing lakhs of traders and reaffirmed the government’s willingness to work closely with the KTMF for the overall economic stability of Kashmir.”