Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti met the union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley and sought continuation of tax exemptions and remissions to several local products from the State.The Chief Minister specifically sought tax exemption for Walnut and Almond (including giri and allied produce), handicrafts (produced from local artisans and craftsmen), wood allied industry (including wood seasoning, carving, processing), handmade Willow and Wicker industry, local sports manufacturing industry (including willow bat industry), Saffron (and other dry fruits and spices from the State).Mehbooba Mufti impressed upon the union Finance Minister the need for protecting the local industry in the State in view of the stiff global competition and extending the exemptions in view of the losses the whole business community suffered during last year’s unrest and also keeping in view the general economic condition of local artisans, growers and small traders.Mr. Arun Jaitley assured the Chief Minister that the demand raised by her would be considered sympathetically keeping in view the interests of local trading community.