Islamabad (Anantnag), Apr 7: Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA), an amalgam of trade, tourism and transport unions, today asked the government to immediately take over the NHPC-run projects in the state, while demanding revocation of “all the black laws from J&K.”
 Addressing a day-long trade seminar organized by All Traders’ Association, Islamabad (Anantnag), president KEA, Muhammad Yaseen Khan said: “The state government should take control of power projects being run by NHPC in the state.
 “The National Hydro Power Corporation is looting our water resources and the state seems helpless but we want to make it clear that we won’t be mute spectators to the grave injustice and would strive for our rights”.
 “The water resources of the state are worth Rs 80,000 crore, and if given a right to control this industry, we won’t have to go with a begging bowl to centre,” Khan added.
  “The government is responsible for rampant corruption in state which is telling upon our economy.”
 He accused the government of failing to provide the basic amenities to the people. “The better road connectivity and reliability electricity are necessary for any trade but the government here has failed to provide these facilities. The bad roads and worsening power scenario is taking toll on the business,” he said. 
 He said the traffic mess due to narrow roads is severely affecting the business activities.
 Khan said: “The government should not forget that the traders pay tax amounting to more than 3,000 crore every year and provide employment to more than ten lakh people. So if government fails to address our genuine concerns it would have far reaching consequences.”
 Khan demanded the government should immediately abolish the property tax, rehabilitate traders affected by road widening programmes and promote entrepreneurship in the state.
 “The sectors like tourism, agriculture, horticulture and handicrafts considered to be the backbone of economy are struggling for survival due to the callous approach of the government,” he said.
 Khan said the government is creating impediments in the promotion of industrial sector. He blamed the government of turning Srinagar city into garbage dump.
 “Srinagar has now become the dirtiest city and the dog menace is adding to our miseries. But the irony is that funds meant for the development and maintenance of the city go into the pockets of the politicians and bureaucrats,” Khan said.
 He alleged that the tax paid by the people, instead of being utilized for development, “goes in the maintenance of ministers’ lavish life styles.”     
 Khan also demanded the revocation of all draconian laws from the state. “The laws like AFSPA provide immunity to the Armed Forces and hence should be withdrawn immediately,” he said.
 Secretary General KEA and President KHARA, Siraj Ahmad said: “The KEA wants to mobilize the opinion of the trading community to safeguard our economy.”

Lastupdate on : Sat, 7 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 7 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 8 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST