With no let up in mob attacks against Kashmiris in various states following a recent militant attack in Pulwama, various trade organisations have called for a complete protest shutdown after 3.30pm in Lal Chowk and Downtown areas on Friday.
These organisations, among others, include both factions of the Kashmir economic alliance (KEA), all factions of the Kashmir traders and manufacturers’ federation (KTMF), the Kashmir chamber of commerce and industry (KCCI), Shehar-e-Khaas traders’ coordination committee and Valley-based transporters.
Earlier, the trade bodies held a meeting wherein the decision to observe the post-noon shutdown on Friday was taken.
All shops and business establishments from Lal Chowk to Polo View will be observing a shutdown 3.30pm onwards, said a representative of a traders body.
The trade organisations have also called for peaceful protests after 4pm in Lal Chowk and Downtown markets.
Nasir Hameed Khan, senior vice-president, KCCI, said the situation in various parts of India “seems to be going out of hand” as “there is no end to attacks on Kashmiris including students, traders and employees”.
He urged various state governments to issue separate advisories to put an immediate end to these attacks.
“The trade fraternity will do whatever it takes to stand against these attacks which are taking place almost every day now. This is the time when we all have to join hands and stand united against the onslaught against Kashmiris,” said Khan.
Muhammad Yaseen Khan, president KTMF said attacks on people with Kashmiri origin in various parts of India “have become unbearable”.
He traders are ready to take any step to safeguard Kashmiris residing in various parts of the country.
“The way attacks have been continuing relentlessly is disturbing. Apart from shutdown, we have decided to hold protests against the mob attacks. We are in touch with trade community and civil society outside the Valley and regularly building pressure on them to play their role in ending these attacks,” Khan said.
Nazir Ahmad Shah, chairman, Shehar-e-Khaas traders’ coordination committee said the Downtown traders have also extended support to the shutdown call.