The Kashmir Pulse

BARAMULLA — Traders Union Pattan in northern Kashmir's Baramulla district has called for a complete shutdown tomorrow, July 23, 2024 (Tuesday), to protest against the transfer of the SHO of Police Station Pattan to southern Kashmir.

The Union stated, "All shops and business establishments will remain closed as a mark of protest against the sudden transfer of the people-friendly SHO, Inspector Khalid Fayaz."

In an audio announcement, the trade union president Nasir Shah appealed to traders and shopkeepers in the area to join in protesting the transfer of the police officer. "Except for medical shops, all other establishments are urged to remain closed tomorrow to register their protest against the transfer," he said.

Notably, the Kashmir Police Zone issued an order transferring the said officer from the North Kashmir range to South Kashmir.

KELLER — Acting on the directives of Deputy Commissioner Shopian, a market checking team led by Tehsildar Keller, Mr. Latafat, alongside Assistant Commissioner from the Food Safety Department, Mrs. Nighat, and Food Safety Officer Keller, Shafiq Ur Rehman, conducted rigorous inspections across various parts of the Keller area of southern Kashmir's Shopian district on Friday.

The initiative aimed to verify the adherence of essential commodities to government-approved rates and quality standards, ensuring an ample supply of consumables in the market.

Throughout the day, the market checking team, consisting of officials from the Police, FCS&CA, and Food Safety Department, meticulously examined establishments in different markets of Keller, including the bus stand market, focusing on businesses such as bakeries, confectioneries, groceries, vegetable and fruit vendors, and meat shops.

Inspectors scrutinized the hygiene conditions and assessed factors such as the Date of Manufacture and Use-by Date of products.

All traders, particularly those dealing in meat, vegetables, and fruits, were cautioned to maintain product quality. Shopkeepers were also reminded to avoid hoarding and overcharging customers.

In the course of the inspections, fines totalling Rs. 3500 were levied on non-compliant traders, and a significant quantity of spoiled vegetables and fruits were promptly discarded.

Tehsildar Keller emphasized the continuation of such drives to ensure fair pricing and availability of essential goods, discouraging black marketing practices. He instructed officials to clear footpaths and main roads of any encroachments to facilitate smooth movement.

Engaging with shopkeepers, Food Safety Officer Keller stressed the importance of prominently displaying rate lists and adhering to approved rates and quality standards. Non-compliance, he warned, would result in strict legal action.

SRINAGAR — The Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) has welcomed the Jammu and Kashmir Government's decision to extend the amnesty scheme for domestic electricity consumers to clear their pending dues. However, the alliance stated that a similar amnesty should be provided to commercial power consumers as well.

On Monday, the Power Development Department announced the extension of the amnesty program for domestic users by one year till March 31, 2025.

Reacting to this decision, KTA President Aijaz Shahdhar said, "It is a good decision on the part of the Power Development Department to extend the amnesty scheme for domestic electricity consumers." However, he added, "We demand that the same kind of amnesty must be announced for commercial consumers who have faced financial trouble in the past and were not in a position to pay bills."

The trade body argued that commercial establishments suffered significant losses over the past few years due to COVID-19 lockdowns and other issues. Providing amnesty on their power dues would offer them some relief.

"We request the J&K Government to consider an amnesty scheme for commercial electricity consumers as well. It would greatly help to revive business and industry in the region," said Shahdhar, adding that KTA plans to formally raise their demand for a commercial amnesty program with the Power Development Department soon.

SRINAGAR — Khyber Cement, in a commendable display of appreciation for its esteemed dealer and retailer network in Kashmir, recently distributed carefully curated kits through a dedicated team of 10 sales officers.

The distribution, orchestrated with meticulous attention to detail, ensured that every corner of Kashmir was touched by this thoughtful initiative. The meticulously assembled kit, comprising essentials such as a water bottle, key chains, key hangers, a diary, a notepad, a Khyber Cement cap, and a jute bag, was received with enthusiasm by the recipients.

Led by the sales officers, the initiative garnered high praise from the Khyber Cement network, which embraced it wholeheartedly, extending its reach to every corner where the brand's retailer network is established.

The impact of this gesture reverberated on social media platforms, where dealers and retailers showcased their gratitude through images and posts, generating a wave of positive sentiment for the Khyber Cement brand.

One recipient, Afaq Ahmad Naikoo, expressed profound gratitude, stating, "Khyber has bestowed upon me the opportunity to pursue self-employment and earn a livelihood, notwithstanding my physical challenges." This sentiment underscores the tangible impact that corporate initiatives can have on individuals within the community.

Khyber Cement's discerning initiative has earned admiration and affection from its esteemed dealer and retailer network. The brand's commitment to thoughtful gestures beyond business transactions underscores its dedication to building meaningful relationships and making a positive impact in the communities it serves.

PULWAMA — Police authorities have initiated an investigation following a reported theft of copper utensils worth lakhs of rupees from a shop in south Kashmir's Pulwama district.

According to reports, burglars targeted a copper utensil shop located in Ratnipora village during the intervening night between Tuesday and Wednesday.

The shop owner, Zubair Ahmed Ahangar, disclosed that thieves made away with utensils valued at over Rs 3 lakh. The stolen items include eight Samovars (copper containers traditionally used to make tea) along with other assorted utensils, with the burglars also taking more than 60 Tramis (large copper plates).

Ahmed Ahangar reported the incident to the police, prompting them to take cognizance of the situation and initiate an official case.

SRINAGAR — Markets in Kashmir witnessed a thin footfall of shoppers ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, the festival of sacrifices, while the trade leaders term the recession, inflation and online marketing as the main reasons behind the sluggish market.

The shopkeepers told the news agency KNO that they were expecting a good sale but said the markets lacked enthusiasm. They said the flow is even low than Eid-ul-Fitr.

People were seen jostling and swarming around mutton and bakeries shops; however, the overall market sentiment was low, the shopkeepers said, adding that their business has shrunk and the middle-class people are facing the music when they have to get the necessary items on Eid despite facing a huge financial crunch.

Sameer Ahmad, a trader from Anantnag, said that despite Covid restrictions in the last two years, sales were good and whosoever was visiting his shop was purchasing at least a couple of items. "This time, the sales remained at an all-time low because the customers are not in a position to afford items."

Another trader from Srinagar said, “Sales on Eid-ul-Fitr were low but today, it is very low. We are very much worried." He added, “Inflation and poverty due to COVID-19 lockdowns have badly hit J&K and the poor are hardly able to make ends meet.”

Irfan Ahmad, a shopkeeper dealing with readymade garments, said he used to make lakhs of rupees in sales on festive occasions but this year, very few customers are visiting his shop. “One out of 10 customers is able to afford an item,” he said.

President, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Javaid Ahmad Bhat, said that business is slumping in Kashmir as well as in other parts of the country, including Delhi, due to the recession. He said that online shopping is also playing a part as the young generation prefers online shopping.

"Market is not good, and as per the ground situation, business is down by around 50 per cent as compared to Eid-ul-Azha last year,” he said and added that the horticulture sector was hit last year and its impact is coming to the fore. "The handicrafts and industries are also suffering badly."

President, Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF), Mohammad Yaseen Khan said that business is very down mainly because of inflation and markets are witnessing a very low rush. He said that people owe money to financial institutions as in the last few years, business was almost on halt and people have to first clear the debt amount.

"There is no business on the ground, that too on the festival. We won’t say how much per cent down is business but the fact is that there is no business on the ground,” Khan said, adding, “Even the main markets that used to remain jam-packed on such occasions are deserted today.”

The KTMF president said the government has been spending money for development purposes like Smart City Project and they can't do anything about inflation.

PULWAMA — Pulwama town in south Kashmir witnessed a series of burglaries overnight, as daring thieves targeted at least half a dozen shops, leaving the traders and businessmen in shock.

The reports of a local Daily indicate that the burglaries occurred in the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, with thieves breaking into 5 to 6 shops and making off with a substantial amount of goods, cash, and valuable items worth lakhs of rupees.

The incident came to light when Mushtaq Ahmad, a shop owner at the renowned Chudi Market, discovered his shop shutter broken open during his early morning walk. Soon after, he learned that several other shops in the market had also fallen victim to the burglaries.

The affected shopkeepers were visibly distraught and spent the day repairing their shop shutters.

Ghulam Mohammad Bhagwan, a wholesale grocery dealer, stated, "I received a call in the morning informing me about the incident." While he is still assessing the extent of the loss, Bhagwan expressed gratitude for the swift response of the police, who visited his shop and promised prompt action.

Social media was abuzz with reports of 20 to 25 shops being looted, but SSP Pulwama, Mohammad Yousuf, clarified that the actual number of targeted shops was 5 to 6. He confirmed that the thieves attempted to break into a few other shops without success and assured the initiation of a thorough investigation.

Fayaz Ahmad Wani, President of the Chamber and Commerce Industries Kashmir (CCIK), expressed the shock felt by the trading community. "We are currently assessing the loss," he disclosed, highlighting the widespread impact of the burglaries on local businesses.

As the investigations continue, shop owners and the community at large hope for swift justice and effective measures to prevent future incidents of this nature, ensuring the safety and security of Pulwama town.