Jammu: Traders and business representatives in Jammu have strongly opposed the demand for a separate Jammu state, asserting that division would severely harm the economy, weaken trade, and adversely affect national interest.
Members of the trading community said Jammu lacks sufficient independent resources and is already facing economic distress due to declining business activity, the absence of tourism support, and limited government assistance. They said separation from Kashmir would further aggravate these challenges and push traders into deeper hardship.
Traders maintained that Jammu’s economic linkage with Kashmir has historically been beneficial for both regions, particularly in terms of trade flow, tourism, and employment. “Both regions are interdependent. Separation will damage this balance, and Jammu will suffer more,” they said.
The traders as reported by the news agency Kashmir News Trust also demanded full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, saying restoration of statehood is the only viable solution to address regional grievances. They expressed resentment over the bifurcation that led to Ladakh being separated, stating that “Ladakh was already taken away, and further division will only weaken the region.”
Reacting to allegations of discrimination raised by some political quarters in Jammu, traders said elected representatives were responsible for addressing such issues. “If discrimination exists, it is the duty of politicians to resolve it. Dividing people is not the solution,” they said.
They criticized legislators who, according to them, engage in divisive rhetoric without delivering development. Referring to the 29 MLAs from the Bharatiya Janata Party in Jammu, the traders urged them to focus on economic growth and public welfare instead of indulging in what they termed as communal politics.
The traders warned that any further division would be fatal for regional harmony and against the interests of the nation. “We strongly condemn the politics of division. As traders, we want unity, stability and development,” they said.
They also recalled the economic losses suffered after the cancellation of the Darbar Move in the past and welcomed its restoration, saying the move had earlier caused serious damage to trade and livelihoods in Jammu.
The trading community reiterated that unity between Jammu and Kashmir is essential for economic recovery and long term stability, and urged political leadership to work towards inclusive development rather than regional fragmentation. [KNT]
