Srinagar, Feb 19: Expressing serious concern over growing violence in Jammu, traders Tuesday said that a joint program will be followed in case the government failed to protect Kashmiris facing “atrocities” across India post-Pulwama attack.
Addressing a press conference, Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) said final decision on whether to continue trade with Jammu will be taken after joint consultation with all stakeholders. The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) threatened to snap trade ties “with all those who are destroying our nation politically, economically and socially”.
“We have been keenly monitoring the situation and it seems the government has failed to tackle the mobs attacking Kashmiris in India. We stand with our fellow Kashmiris and assure them we will not let them suffer anymore,” said KEA chairman Mohammad Yasin Khan.
He demanded stern actions against the forces inimical to peace in the region and asked the government to ensure protection of life and property of Kashmiri people.
“We never support violence and hostility; however, we will be forced to take a call which may not be favorable for Jammu. A final decision whether to continue trade with Jammu or not will be taken after joint consultation with all stakeholders,” KEA chairman added.
KCCI castigated the Jammu Chamber for encouraging violence by calling ‘Jammu Bandh’ past week.
“Jammu Chamber had earlier agreed to support issues of common interest of trade bodies and not create situations vitiating atmosphere but they have failed to live up to the expectations. There is no doubt that the cause of the violence was the result of Jammu Bandh,” KCCI senior vice-president, Nasir Hameed Khan said addressing a separate press conference here.
He said the JCCI failed to anticipate consequences and “we appeal them to think before taking any such decision in future.”
He also said instead of deescalating tension and prevailing upon the attackers, JCCI keeps on playing divisive politics to flare-up the situation further.
Khan said that serious attempts are being made to prevent tourists from visiting Kashmir as statements have appeared on social media that no tourist should visit state for next three years.
“Tourism sector has already suffered and it cannot be allowed to suffer anymore because of few individuals and groups who are out to create hatred and enmity amongst various communities,” he added.
In case, State machinery fails to bring to justice people who have caused immense harm to our people at Jammu and in other states, KCCI has decided to work out other alternatives, in consultation with other stakeholders, which may include snapping of trade ties with those who are bent upon destroying our nation politically, economically and socially. In that eventuality KCCI should not be held responsible, Khan said.
