Seeks action on displacement, copper industry, rental disputes
Srinagar, July 3: A high-level delegation of the Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF), led by its president Mohammad Yaseen Khan, on Friday met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and sought immediate government intervention to address long-pending issues affecting traders, traditional artisans and workers across Kashmir.
The delegation included KTMF functionary Qazi Tauseef, Ganderbal Traders Federation President Ghulam Hassan Parra, Vice President Mehrajuddin Sheikh, Kashmir Copper Workers Trade Union Chairman Jan Mohammad Misgar and President Arshid Ahmad Khan.
During the meeting, the Ganderbal Traders Federation expressed concern over the proposed displacement of shopkeepers due to ongoing and upcoming development projects. The delegation urged the Chief Minister to ensure that no trader loses livelihood because of such works and sought a comprehensive rehabilitation package, including suitable relocation before any displacement.
The Kashmir Copper Workers Trade Union, representing nearly 50,000 workers, highlighted the rapid decline of Kashmir’s centuries-old copper craft. The union demanded an immediate ban on machine-made copper products, arguing that they have severely affected the livelihoods of thousands of local craftsmen. It also called for measures to protect genuine handmade copperware, preserve the traditional craft and promote sustainable employment in the sector.
The delegation further sought institutional support for copper workers, market protection for indigenous products and policy measures aimed at reviving the traditional industry.
KTMF also raised the issue of long-pending rental disputes involving traders under the Housing and Urban Development Department, urging the Chief Minister to direct the concerned authorities to resolve the matter on priority, saying the prolonged uncertainty has caused significant financial hardship to affected traders.
Speaking after the meeting, Mohammad Yaseen Khan said the trading community, artisans and workers have been grappling with several genuine issues for years. He stressed the need for immediate action on the rehabilitation of displaced traders, protection of Kashmir’s traditional copper industry from machine-made products and settlement of pending rental disputes, saying these issues directly impact the livelihoods of thousands of families.
The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured them that the government would sympathetically examine all the issues raised. He reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the genuine concerns of traders, artisans and workers and assured that appropriate steps would be taken for their early resolution.
