Srinagar, Oct 21 (KNS): Kashmir United Traders Forum in Srinagar on Wednesday took initiative to bring all business associations on a single platform amidst a loss of Rs 50,000 crore to trade sector in the valley since August last year, under the command of Kashmir Economic Alliance Co-Chairman Farooq Ahmad Dar.

During a press conference in Srinagar on Wednesday, it was announced that all trade associations, forums and parties would be brought together under one banner to resolve various issues of traders. Addressing a joint press conference Dar was nominated chairman of the forum while Muhammad Rajab Kuchay, acting president of Kashmir Traders Federation and Fayaz Ahmed Bhat media in-charge said that the forum was aimed at highlighting unity, consensus, need and importance among the business community.

Farooq Ahmad Dar said that in the last several years, there has been a trend of division among the trade associations, as a result of which the interests of the traders have been harmed. Dar said that the situation created after August 5 and this year's Due to Covid 19 resulted in a loss of about Rs 50,000 crore to the trade, and the banter bidding of the traders' associations further demoralized the small traders.

Farooq Ahmed Dar, nominated chairman of Kashmir United Traders Forum said that small traders have demoralized and become insecure. He said The forum was set up to address their concerns and restore trust. Dar said that the door is open for all the associations for unity and for the welfare of the business community. Dar hoped that in the coming days, all the small and big would present their support to this forum

In a press conference Mohammed Rajab Kuchay, Acting president of KTMF announced his full support to the Kashmir United Traders led by Farooq Ahmad Dar. He said that the selection process in trade associations had done a lot of harm to the traders. Faaz Ahmed Bhat has been appointed as the vice chairman of the newly formed platform. Addressing a press conference, he said that there would be no selection process in the future but elections would be held in a democratic manner. He said that preparations for KTMF elections have been completed. Apart from in charge of publicity Sheikh Hila senior trade leaders ,Haji Nisar Ahmed and Farooq Ahmed Batko, and other leaders were also present in the press conference. (KNS)