Take stakeholders onboard on GST: KTMF

Srinagar—The Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) Thursday asked the state government to take stakeholders from the Kashmiri business fraternity onboard before taking any decision on implementation of the controversial GST in the state failing which  Valley will be dragged towards another agitation.

In a statement KTMF President, Muhammad Yasin Khan said the government has been saying the GST would be implemented vide discussion at a special session in the Assembly.

“We want to make it clear to the government that any such decision if taken without taking Kashmir Inc onboard will lead to a major crises and that those at the helm will be responsible the consequences,” Khan said.

Khan said Jammu and Kashmir having a special status vide Article 370 cannot be forced to implement any such laws which hamper the interests of this state.

“Business community has its own take on the issue and thus such a law cannot be implemented unless the modalities are decided in accordance with the aspirations of the business community,” Khan said adding “we don’t want another sellout in the garb of GST.”

He asked Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Finance Minister Dr Haseeb Drabu not to opt for any discussion in the Assembly unless various issues are resolved with the business fraternity first.

“No one-sided decision will be acceptable. Aspirations of Kashmir Inc are need to be duly endorsed. Let the government not drag Kashmir towards another agitation.”