Jammu, 11-12-2023 : Traders and industrialists in Jammu expressed a warm welcome to the recent Supreme Court verdict on Article 370, eagerly anticipating the restoration of statehood and the establishment of a democratically elected government in Jammu and Kashmir. The unanimous decision by the apex court upheld the abrogation of Article 370, directing the expeditious reinstatement of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir and mandating assembly elections by September 30, 2024.
Arun Gupta, the president of Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industries, lauded the judgment, emphasizing that Jammu had consistently supported the complete integration of the erstwhile state into the country. While expressing satisfaction with the court’s decision, Gupta underscored the local preference for restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and applauded the specified timeline for assembly elections. He highlighted the expectations of the people of Jammu and eagerly anticipated the formation of a democratically elected government to address the issues faced by the populace, particularly the business community.
Neeraj Anand, President of Chamber of Traders Federation Jammu, deemed the verdict historic and embraced it wholeheartedly. He conveyed the general sentiment of the region’s people, expressing the desire for complete integration with the nation. Anand envisioned the decision as a transformative moment for Jammu and Kashmir, ushering in a new era after lagging behind the country’s progress for the past 70 years. Anticipating a supportive role from the Centre, he looked forward to a bright future for the upcoming generations.
Ajay Langer, Vice President of Federation of Industries Jammu, expressed satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s directive for holding assembly elections by September of the following year and the early restoration of statehood. While reserving detailed comments until a thorough review of the judgment, Langer welcomed the court’s emphasis on the reinstatement of statehood and the democratic process. He noted that having an elected government would facilitate the effective representation of industrial concerns, particularly addressing the challenges faced by old industrial unit holders since Jammu and Kashmir’s transition into a Union Territory.