JAMMU: Amid ongoing unrest in the Valley, the Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCI) here on Tuesday batted for an “intra-regional” dialogue among the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions before any talks with separatists.
“The State comprises three regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh and before holding any dialogue with only one region of the State, there should be an intra-regional dialogue among the people of three regions of the State,” President of the CCI (J) Rakesh Gupta told reporters.
“Kashmir-based separatists are not the sole representatives of all the three regions of the State,” he said.
He said that the all party delegation to Kashmir proposed by the Central Government would solve no problem unless the internal issues among the regions of the State are resolved.
Expressing grief on the loss of human lives and unwanted turmoil in the Kashmir Valley, Gupta appealed to the people of the Valley for restoring peace in the interest progress development and brotherhood in the State.
“We do not agree with the war path adopted by the people at large in Kashmir and condemn the Bandh call given by the separatists which led to deaths and injuries of humans both of civilians and the security forces,” he told reporters.
Separatists, he said, should talk to the people of Jammu and Ladakh first who too are primary stakeholders to the region and then raise demands if any.
“We are ready for talks if invited in the interest of peace and development of the State but make it clear that the separatists will have to shun the path of violence first,” Rakesh asserted.
“Chamber has always stood for brotherhood among three regions of the State and maintained communal harmony at every cost which is the face of the State and shall not allow anyone to deface it,” he cleared.
He also warned both the State and Central Government not to be soft on the people who provoke or indulge in violence.
The Chamber President also questioned the miscreants why they attacked and targeted the transport vehicles which either carry essential supplies or ferry pilgrims, beat the pilgrims of Amarnath Yatra and forced them to shout anti India slogans and burned Langars.
“We respect our Muslim brothers and know the importance of Haj but they should also know what Amarnath Yatra means to Hindus,” he said.
The chamber reposed full faith in the CM Mehooba Mufti and is confident that she alongwith her team will steer the State out of this crisis. The office bearers present in the press conference include Sham Lal Langer, Sr. Vice President, Deepak Aggarwal, Jr. Vice President, Arun Gupta, Secretary General, Rahul Mahajan, Secretary and Ashu Gupta, Treasurer.