Jammu traders ask leaders, Kashmiri counterparts to refrain from mixing political and economic issues and let GST be implemented

New Delhi, June 23 (KNN) The Traders Federation Warehouse Jammu has raised concerns over controversy over implementation of GST in Jammu & Kashmir and has requested the state government and traders from Kashmir to refrain from mixing political issues with the economy of the State.

The traders warned that “mixing political issues with the economy of the state will be detrimental for overall growth of the state.”

The Traders Federation Warehouse Jammu and Naehru Market Wholesale Food Grain Mandi held a meeting to discuss implications on the industry, traders in case GST is not implemented in the state from July 1, 2017.

The meeting was held under the President ship of Rajesh Gupta, President, Traders Federation Warehouse Jammu.

The members discussed issues related to GST regime which is not being implemented in the state from July 1, 2017 which is creating lot of confusion among trading community as well as among general public.

The Federation today backed the centre’s move to implement the new Tax regime across country from midnight of June 30.

We the whole sale traders of Jammu region ask the political class as well as traders from valley to refrain from mixing political issues with the economy of the State as it will be detrimental for overall growth of the State.

In a statement, the Federation said, “The Traders of this whole sale market also ask the ruling alliance partner BJP to either get the GST implemented in J&K or come out of the Government for the larger interest of the trading community as well as for the general public who will face burden about double taxes as well as higher market index than the neighbouring States on almost all the commodities.”

This Federation unequivocally welcomes and support the introduction of GST at the all India level, including our State, irrespective of the questionable stand taken by the Kashmir-centric parties in the grab of fiscal autonomy and special status, it said.

The traders raised fear that if a clear decision is not taken in a day or two, traders will have no option other than to down their shutters. Agitation by thousands of small as well big traders remains the last resorts.

Along with Rajesh Gupta, General Secretary Deepak Gupta, Sr. Vc. President Ashok Gupta, Jr. Vc. President Dharam Pal Gupta and other officials were also present in the meeting. (KNN Bureau)