Traders across Kashmir Valley observed a complete shutdown against the government proposal to implement Goods and Service Tax regime in the State.Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) and Kashmir Economic Alliance had called for the valley-wide protests and shutdown.Reports said that all the shops and business establishment remained completely shut though public and private transport was seen plying normally on the roads.In a bid to foil the traders protest here in Kashmir capital Srinagar, authorities imposed restrictions in parts of old city. Cops were seen using loud speakers asking people to stay indoors.Reports said that hundreds of traders affiliating with different trade bodies including Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) and Kashmir Economic Alliance assembled at city centre Lal Chowk to express their anguish over government’s proposal to implement GST regime in Jammu and Kashmir.
The traders staged a peaceful protest and waved banners and placards which read ‘No to GST’.“The implementation of GST in Jammu and Kashmir will be a blow to the financial autonomy of the state. We warn Jammu and Kashmir Government particularly ruling PDP of dire consequences in case they implement this contentious act,” the traders told CNS.Eyewitnesses said that police swung into action and arrested dozens of trade leaders including Muhammad Yasin Khan, Farooq Ahmed Dar, Muhammad Sadiq Baqal, Zahoor Budshah, Ajaz Shahdar and others.Reports said that large contingent of local police and Para-military troopers were deployed in restive areas including Khanyar, Rainawari, Nowhatta, M.R.Gunj, Safa Kadal area’s while concertina wires had been placed on the roads to restrict the movement of the people and the vehicles.Traders from Kashmir Valley have been opposing the implementation of GST regime stating that it will have serious legal and political implications in the State. The traders, opposition political parties as well as separatist leaders are against the implementation of 101st amendment Act in the state that according to them will deprive state from imposing tax on sale of goods in the State. (CNS)