Srinagar, July 24: The Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA), a representative body of various trade, industry and tourism bodies in Kashmir, today lambasted the government for its “anti-trader policies”, even as demanding resignation of Finance Minister, Abdul Rahim Rather.
 Chairman KEA, Muhammad Yaseen Khan addressing the mediapersons at a press conference here today criticized the FM for levying “regressive” taxes on common people and business community.  “Instead of appreciate the plight of people and traders/industrialists who have suffered immense losses consistently for past many years, the FM is proposing to levy new and regressive taxes on water, power, passenger and property.”
 “We feel the FM is hell bent to add to the woes of the people. We demand he should step down immediately for he has failed to come up to the expectations of people,” Khan told reporters.
 Khan said the KEA has called for a peaceful protest by traders on August 8 against anti-trader policies of the government.
 Secretary General, KEA, Siraj Ahmad said the Alliance will oppose tooth and nail imposition of any new tax.  Lashing out at the FM, he said: “Rather is running some agenda. He doesn’t care for anyone and is resorting to double talk.”
 Elaborating, Siraj said: “In the pre-budget meeting with KEA, the FM accepted all our demands. But now he is comes up with such proposals that would mar the Kashmir trade and industry and would break the back of common man in the Valley.”
 Referring to latest finance commission report, he said: “The report has proved that people of Valley have been discriminated against.”
 He said: “There are just two and a half districts in Jammu region that have been favoured by the successive governments while all others have been discriminated against in J&K in terms of funds allocation, employment, etc.”

Appeal to India, Pakistan
 KEA also appealed both India and Pakistan to address “the core Kashmir issue for sustainable economic progress here.”
 Khan said the volatile situation in Kashmir particularly during past three years has proved backbreaking for the people and traders.
  “We appeal Governments of India and Pakistan to resolve Kashmir issue with an open mind by involving stakeholders,” he said.
 “Due to the turbulent situation traders are facing hardships and have been caught in a quagmire. We have time and time again appealed the government to appreciate the plight of traders and take such steps as would not put them to further losses,” Khan said.

On Interlocutors
 Coming down heavily on the government of India appointed interlocutors, Siraj said that they have not been able to make any tangible headway and have created confusion by “dividing the opinion of public.”

Lastupdate on : Sun, 24 Jul 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 24 Jul 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 IST