Kashmir-based business community including KCCI, KTFM and Tenants Association Wednesday staged a massive protest against Wakf Board and demanded immediate rollback of ‘exorbitant’ increase in rent on its properties including shops and commercial establishments.The protesters who assembled here in Press Enclave Srinagar said the Board has announced an unimaginable 3000 per cent increase in rent for its shops and establishments. “This has created a huge problem for all the shopkeepers and traders,” said a protester Fridous Ahmed.He said that during the unrest business community suffered heavy losses and when the unrest is over the board has resorted to such a drastic step aimed to harass the traders.” The protesters demanded immediate roll back of what they call draconian decision.“We don’t think the government want peace here and let businesses prosper. Wakf Board has sent Tehsildars for rent recovery and now they may send police which will lead to harassment of traders,” Khan who is also chairman of Kashmir Economic Alliance said.They instead of generating revenue from its vast land bank available with it, the Board is “resorting to anti-trader steps.”“We want the issue of rent to be solved amicably. A rent assessment committee should be formed in which trade heads along with government/Wakf Board officials are also members. There should be rent assessment drive and we are ready to pay the rent prevailing in a particular vicinity but not such a huge hike as pressed in by the Board. We have proposed this to the VC Wakf Board in last few meetings but to no avail,” they said and warned of daily basis protests in case the Board did not revoke the decision. (CNS)