SRINAGAR:Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industries on Saturday took strong exception to attacks on security forces in the Kashmir Valley, especially in the aftermath of terrorist Burhan Wani’s killing, saying lawlessness should be tackled firmly.
During meeting with Home Minister Rajnath Singh, immediately on his arrival in Srinagar on a two-day visit to the Valley, a high level delegation of the CCI, led by its President Rakesh Gupta said that the law of land should prevail in all circumstances.
The delegation expressed concern over the attacks on security forces and damage caused to the property during continued violent demonstrations for the past 14 days and sought end to it. They said that public property belonged to the people of the State and poor-tax payers hard earned money cannot be allowed to be destroyed ruthlessly.
“Peace has no substitute”, the delegation said and hoped that normalcy will be restored soon in the Valley.
The CCI cautioned the Home Minister not to mistake Jammu and Kashmir for the Valley alone, as the two distinct regions of Jammu and Ladakh too had distinct urges and aspirations, which can’t be ignored. “Ignoring any segment of society in the State can boomerang”, it added.
On the issue of Income Tax surveys and raids, the CCI said that Jammu will resist such attempts as the region has been significantly contributing towards payment of taxes. They urged the Home Minister to appreciate ground realities and take all such measures which are in the interests of the state as a whole.
The CCI delegation comprised Rahul Mahajan and Ashu Gupta.
During the meeting, the delegation discussed the overall situation across the State, especially in the wake of turbulence in the Valley. It also brought to the notice of the Home Minister the fall-out of violence that has retarded the influx of tourists as also hampered smooth Amarnathji pilgrimage. The delegation also highlighted the crucial importance of peace, saying sanity must prevail so that Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh steer on the path of development and progress.