Srinagar: The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Monday assured the business fraternity of Jammu and Kashmir that restoration of broadband internet and release of detained business players are in process to revive the badly hit economy of the erstwhile state.
In a meeting with Minister of State (MoS) PMO Jitendra Singh in New Delhi to frame the new Industrial policy for Jammu Kashmir, the business delegation which comprised traders from Kashmir and Jammu, raised the issue of internet ban and detention of business players.
Kashmir Chamber Commerce and Industries (KCCI) president Sheikh Ashiq, who was part of the delegation, told after giving a patient hearing, the MoS assured them that Government of India (GoI) is in process of restoring broadband internet and release of detained business players.
“While acknowledging our concerns, MoS told us that government will soon restore internet service in the Valley in a phase-wise manner starting from broadband service,” Ashiq said. “He said the detained traders will also be released accordingly.”
The internet and prepaid services in Valley are suspended since August 5, when GoI scrapped Article 370 and bifurcated J&K state into two Union Territories (UTs) – Jammu and Kashmir (with legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature).
Internet blockade in Kashmir continues to hit all spheres of life with businessmen, students, government employees and media men facing major brunt of the ban.
The authorities also detained many politicians and businessmen to prevent backlash against scrapping of Article 370.
Ashiq said the delegation also raised the issue of defunct industrial sector in the region.
“We told him that in comparison to other states, J&K is lacking behind and GoI should take concrete steps to safeguard the interest of local industry,” he said.
The KCCI chief said the delegation also updated Singh about government’s latest decision of abolishing Toll Tax at Lakhanpur and its impact on the Industrial sector of Jammu Kashmir.
