Srinagar: The Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) has formally rejected a new directive from occupation authorities mandating a rotational weekly closure for markets in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The directive, aimed at regulating market activities, has sparked significant unrest within the local business community.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the contentious directive was issued by the Labour Department and has been met with resistance from the KTA. The business community has voiced concerns that the rotational closure will lead to operational confusion and economic disruption.

A delegation from the KTA, led by its president Aijaz Shahdhar, convened with Deputy Labour Commissioner Ideel Saleem to express their grievances. During the meeting, Shahdhar highlighted the challenges faced by traders, arguing that a uniform weekly closure on Sunday would better serve the business environment, aligning with global commercial practices.

However, Deputy Labour Commissioner Ideel Saleem clarified that as per current regulations, markets have the option to close either on Friday or Sunday each week. Despite the explanation, the KTA delegation maintained their stance against the rotational closure policy, emphasizing its potential negative impact on local commerce.

The meeting ended without any agreement on the directive, leaving its future implementation in doubt and the business community in a state of uncertainty.

Source: Kashmir Media Service