02/09/2026
KTMF calls for ease of doing business as traders flag civic, traffic and banking woes.
Srinagar, Sep 2: Kashmir Traders & Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) held a detailed Bazar Committee interaction meet under the presidentship of KTMF President Mohammad Yaseen Khan wherein representatives of various markets and trade bodies highlighted a host of pressing issues confronting the business community.
KTMF representatives pointed out that while traders are expected to comply with every regulation and contribute significantly to the economy, the basic requirements for conducting business smoothly are often missing. They stressed that ease of doing business must be visible on the ground and not remain confined to policy documents and official statements.
KTMF President Mohammad Yaseen Khan said that traders are already operating under difficult economic circumstances and cannot be expected to shoulder additional hardships created by administrative and civic mismanagement.
“A trader should be able to open his shop, receive customers, access his market, conduct banking transactions and carry out his business without facing unnecessary hurdles. If traffic chaos, civic failures, banking difficulties and administrative delays continue, the cost is ultimately borne by the trader and his family.”
Khan said the government and concerned departments must adopt a trader-friendly and solution-oriented approach, adding that the Federation would continue to raise genuine concerns with the authorities rather than allowing them to remain unattended. Issues concerning J&K Bank were also discussed in detail, with traders calling for greater responsiveness, smoother banking services and resolution of difficulties being faced by the business community in their routine transactions.
KTMF said that civic agencies must also ensure better sanitation, cleanliness, maintenance of roads and commercial infrastructure, particularly in major markets that serve as the economic centres of the city and towns. “The trade community is not asking for favours. We are asking for a conducive environment in which we can work, employ people, pay taxes and contribute to the economy. Ease of doing business has to be experienced by the trader on the street, in the market and at the counter,” Khan said.
KTMF reiterated that it would continue holding regular interaction meetings with bazar committees so that issues emerging at the grassroots level are collectively pursued with the concerned authorities and taken to their logical conclusion.
Besides Khan who participated in the meeting include senior KTMF leader Bashir Ahmad Rather, Qazi Tauseef President Munawarabad Traders Association, Lateef Ahmad Sofi President Gousia Traders Association Khanyar, Haroon Chowdary Acting President Sarai Bala Traders Association, Mohammad Muzaffar Jan President Abi Guzar Traders Association, Manzoor Ahmad Mir President Regal Chowk Traders Welfare Association, Abdul Majeed Khan President Alamdar Traders Association Seki Dafar Traders Association, Shabir Ahmad Naqash President Hubbi Traders Association Nowshehra, Ajaz Ahmad Khan President Kawij Bagh Batamloo Traders Association, Mohammad Yousuf Lori General Secretary Kaka Road Traders Association, Shameem Hussain President Auqaf Market Traders Association Lal Chowk, Ashfaq Ahmad Mahajan President M.A.Road Traders Association, Mohammad Maqbool Wani General Secretary Gousia Market Sarai Payeen Traders Association, Javaid Ahmad Bhat Senior Vice President Karan Nagar Chotta Bazar Kani Kadal Market Traders Association & Nisar Ahmad Shahdar senior member KTMF.
