Take strong position for Kashmir’s economy – KEA to CM

As the Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Kashmir on November 7, Kashmir Economic Alliance has asked Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to extract tangible economic benefits from PM’s visit. KEA Chairman Showkat Mohammad Chowdhary said PM had visited Kashmir last time and returned back only to disappoint Kashmiris.

“But now much hype has been given to massive economic package that Prime Minister is going to announce in Srinagar. We hope his announcements would not disappoint Kashmiris. Mufti Sahab should also take strong position for Kashmiris who have voted him to power,” said Chowdhary.

KEA said during turmoil and then 2014 floods, Kashmir’s economic situation weakned which needs to be strengthened with New Delhi’s financial assistance.

“So far no financial assistance has been awarded to Kashmir to improve its battered economy. We were promised soft loans for business units which got affected after floods but the promises were never fulfilled. If our economy is still breathing, it is only due to efforts to local stakeholders. Our entire economic sectors are in weak positions which need to be rebooted with robust financial support,” said Chowdhary.

KEA Chairman urged Mufti to take up the matter of in-discrimination meted out to the Kashmir region on developmental front with PM.

“Jammu region is far ahead of Kashmir in infrastructural development. Why should Kashmir lag behind when we have more natural resources?  Our natural resources have not been tapped and whatever has been tapped has been underpaid by the companies,” said Chowhdhary.

KEA warned Mufti not to show slackness in demanding maximum economic packages from New Delhi.

“We are tax payers and have been disciplined businessmen despite facing severest problems. New Delhi is duty-bound to lift economic sectors in Valley. Our State should not be taken at par with other states nor should it be considered like them. J&K especially Kashmir is a land-locked region for which Central government should go extra mile,” said KEA Chairman.

“If people are disappointed again, they will come out on streets.”

KEA chairman also urged Mufti to take up the matter of growing intolerance among RSS people.

“We have lost an innocent truck driver due to RSS’s intolerant attitude. Entire Indian Muslims are not feeling secure as lynching has become common. It should not happen again. RSS in Jammu have also threatened of blockade to Kashmir several times. This matter should be conveyed to PM in strongest terms,” said Chowdhary.