A delegation of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I), led by its President Javid Ahmad Tenga, called on the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, at Raj Bhawan Srinagar today.
The delegation comprised Senior Vice President Ashiq Hussain Shangloo, Junior Vice President Fayaz Ahmad Punjabi, Joint Secretary General Umar Nazir Tibetbaqal, and Treasurer Zubair Mahajan.
During the meeting, the KCCI team highlighted several urgent economic and public welfare concerns that require immediate intervention of the administration.
The Chamber expressed its wholehearted support for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and reiterated Kashmir’s unwavering commitment to communal harmony, mutual respect, and hospitality. The delegation urged the Hon’ble LG to ensure comprehensive arrangements for the smooth conduct of the Yatra and also sought his intervention to facilitate hassle-free access for tourists to all destinations across the Valley during the pilgrimage period.
The KCCI urged the Lt. Governor to direct the administration to take appropriate steps for smooth conduct of Muharram , it’s rituals , and being the first month of the Islamic calendar , and holds the highly esteemed position in Islam.
Referring to the adverse impact of the tragic April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, the delegation drew attention to the serious economic disruption faced by Kashmir’s tourism sector. While appreciating the administration’s decision to reopen 16 tourist destinations as a confidence-building measure, the Chamber requested the reopening of all remaining destinations that were closed post the incident to help revive the Valley’s fragile economy.
The KCCI also highlighted the deepening financial distress being faced by local businesses and sought the Hon’ble LG’s intervention in urging the Jammu and Kashmir Bank to extend the repayment deadline under its Special One-Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme – Karz Se Mukti – by at least six months.
KCC&I further requested that a revised new OTS scheme be announced with an enhanced ceiling in line with the prevailing MSME guidelines, so that more struggling units may benefit.
The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor received the KCCI delegation with warmth and gave a patient and thoughtful hearing to their concerns.
He assured the delegation that all the issues raised would be addressed with sincerity and a positive outlook. Emphasising the administration’s commitment to the revival and sustained growth of tourism in Kashmir, LG reiterated that all necessary measures are being taken to boost the sector and create an enabling environment for the business community to thrive.The people of Jammu & Kashmir will soon witness the revival of tourism like pre-Pahalgham incident days.
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry reaffirmed its commitment to playing a constructive role in supporting peace, economic revival, and social harmony in Jammu and Kashmir.