Detailed Video Report | Traders bodies call for shutdown against Jamaat ban, ‘assault’ on Article 35A’

Srinagar, March 4 : The Central government and sections of Indian media were deliberately trying to vitiate the atmosphere in Kashmir, trader and transporter groups said on Monday, while calling for a complete shutdown on Tuesday to protest the  ‘assault’ on Article 35A and ban on Jamaat-e-Islami.

In a joint news conference here, KTMF, FCIK, KEA and transporters called for a Kashmir Bandh tomorrow.

They said the traders and businessmen have suffered huge losses due to the uncertain situation being “created deliberately” with moves such as Centre’s “assault on Article 35 and its decision to ban Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir.”

KTMF chief, Muhammad Yasin Khan said business community is on the verge of shutting up their operations in Kashmir.  He said the Jamaat was a religious organization and the Falah-e-Aam trusts provided education to the downtrodden .

Khan said the Jamaat had played a pivotal role during 2005 earthquake and 2014 floods and people from different walks of life are affiliated with it.

“Jamaat is running schools, welfare trusts and mosques here . Do you plan on banning all of these?” he asked.

“ One day the Government of India says they want peace here but the next day they make remarks about Article 35A and other issues,” he said.

He said the civil society is not allowed to register its protest democratically and peacefully. “ Only one particular community is being targeted. Why are all these issues being raked up right before elections?” he asked.

Iqbal Tramboo of Kashmir Economic Alliance lashed out at some Indian TV channels for “maligning and waging war against Kashmiris.”

“Militancy and anti-militancy operations are going on for past 30 years. But what was the fault of ordinary Kashmiris, who were attacked outside after the Pulwama attack. It is all because of these channels.”

“Interestingly, whatever venom they spew overnight is reflected in government orders and statements,” he said.  (GNS)