NIA raids on business houses conspired to crush Kashmir economy, alleges KEA

Srinagar, Jun 5: The Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) today alleged the National Investigation Agency (NIA) raids on business houses and the related reporting by some national TV channels is a conspiracy to crush economy of the valley.
“After wounding the people of Kashmir through human rights abuse the government wants the economic activities to bleed and it was because of this that some businessmen have either been raided or their names have been falsely reported by a section of media,” KEA chairman Haji Muhammad Yasin Khan, who also heads the Kashmir Traders and Manufactures Federation (KTMF), alleged.
Mr Khan alleged that all such moves were aimed at nothing but to crush the economy of Kashmir and that the civil society and political parties must seriously look into the matter and look ahead for a way out.
“Kashmir Inc is being systematically dragged towards destruction through such conspiracies,” Mr Khan said. He said instead of promoting business and tourism activities, the government wants to frighten the business community through pressure tactics of NIA raids.
Mr Khan also expressed serious concern over statements of some mainstream politicians including ministers who have been exclusively defending one particular businessman in the wake of NIA raids.
“One of the ministers defends one particular businessman, says that the state government is on same page with central government over raids. If this is so why shed crocodile tears,” Khan asked.
Mr Khan appealed Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti to make her stand clear on the issue given the sensitivity of the impact of raids on business houses. “She must personally look into the matter because otherwise things are headed towards chaos and destruction,” he said.
Mr Khan also appealed the Chief Minister’s Grievance Cell headed by Tasaduq Mufti to look into the matter.
The KEA chief also appealed the larger Indian civil society to rise to the occasion and save Kashmir from further destruction.