Kashmir Traders and Manufacturing Federation (KTMF) on Friday called for a Kashmir Bandh on Saturday against the government’s ‘imminent decision’ of implementing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the state.

They said that they have also decided to hold a sit-in tomorrow against the implementation of GST.

Addressing a news conference here at a local hotel, KTMF led by its President, Muhammad Yasin Khan said that the traders of Jammu and Kashmir were not against the tax.

“Confusion is being created that we (traders) are against tax, which we are not. We are against the implementation of GST in the state as it will infringe the special status of the Jammu and Kashmir,” KTMF president said.

Khan said that they won’t allow the state government to implement the Indian law here. “We won’t allow that at any cost,” Khan added.

“Even if coming in the way of GST means sacrificing our lives we are ready for it. We won’t allow any amendments to the special status of J&K. One Tax and One India is an idea which is not acceptable in our state,” said Khan. 

He maintained that traders in the state have never been against any taxes. KTMF will be holding a sit-in protest at city centre while protests against the new tax regime will also be held across district headquarters and tehsils, Khan informed.

He said that they want the government to come up with a complete agenda over GST and the verbal assurances from the government are unacceptable to the people of Kashmir.

“The traders here have decided to observe bandh on Saturday to press for our demands,” he said.

He said that besides Kashmir, the traders from Chenab Valley are also going to observe Bandh to press for non implementation of GST in its present form.

Khan informed that the members from several districts including Srinagar will participate in the protest, which will be held at the commercial Hub Lal Chowk at around 11:30 am.

Guest