19/03/2025
Young Socio-Political Activist Wahid Punjabi Calls for Immediate Action Against Unregulated Social Media Promotion in J&K.
Srinagar, March 18, 2025:
In a recent open letter addressed to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Jenab Omar Abdullah, young socio-political activist Wahid Punjabi has called for immediate intervention and regulation of unchecked social media sales, advertisement charges, and improper billing practices. Highlighting the growing concern among local businesses, Wahid—known for his tireless efforts in advocating for community rights—has brought attention to the devastating effects of unregulated sales and promotions on social media platforms.
In the letter, Wahid Punjabi underscores the alarming rise of influencers promoting extreme discounts, such as “12 pairs of shoes for ₹999” and “3 shawarmas for ₹99,” without any oversight or accountability. According to him, this unregulated practice is leading to unfair competition, consumer exploitation, and massive tax evasion. He emphasizes how legitimate local businesses, already struggling with high operational costs, are being crippled by these unethical promotions, resulting in job losses, financial distress, and a decline in consumer trust.
Wahid stresses the need for urgent legal action and regulatory measures, including tax audits, proper billing, and a structured pricing system for social media influencers who charge exorbitant rates without any tax compliance. He warns that if immediate steps are not taken, the local economy, especially small and medium-sized businesses that are integral to the cultural identity of Kashmir, could suffer irreparable damage.
Wahid Punjabi’s letter also makes a strong appeal for protecting consumers from fraudulent advertisements and ensuring that vendors operating through social media platforms are registered and comply with tax laws. His call to action comes ahead of the Eid festival, a critical time for local businesses, further adding urgency to the matter.
This letter serves as an important reminder to authorities about the pressing need for transparency, accountability, and regulation in the digital marketplace. Wahid’s voice, representing both the youth and the business community, urges the government to take strict action against illegal sales practices that are undermining local livelihoods and jeopardizing the economic future of Jammu & Kashmir.
The activist’s letter has garnered attention and support from local business owners, who echo his sentiments and hope that the government will address this issue swiftly to restore fair market conditions.
Link to open letter: https://www.facebook.com/share/18q1QEa7xw/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Wahid Punjabi