Jammu, Amidst no support from the transporters, the Jammu on Saturday observed a ‘partial’ shutdown on a day long call given by the traders body—Chamber of Commerce and Industries and Yuva Rajput Sabha in protest against the imposition of property tax from April 1, 2023.
The market in Jammu city remained closed in the morning but later in the afternoon, the shutters went up as the day passed.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha at the sidelines of a function speaking to reporters said that doors are always open for dialogue on the issue and the interests of the people have been given priority while framing the rules while suggestions from the public at the toll-free number are welcomed to see any improvement required to be made.
The All Jammu and Kashmir Transport Welfare Association had already refused to extend support to the bandh call but almost all opposition parties, including the National Conference, Congress, Democratic Azad Party, and National Panthers Party supported the shutdown call.
Sinha termed the people of Jammu and Kashmir as wise and intelligent, and said that they are well aware of the situation.
On All Party Meet called by the NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah in Srinagar, LG Sinha refused to comment asserting that he does not comment on political issues and said that when the policy was framed, interests of people were given the top priority.
“There are 1.01 lakh shops, out of which 46 per cent of shops fall below 100 square feet and have to pay around Rs 700 annually and 36,000 shopkeepers only Rs 2000 annually on account of property tax,” Sinha cleared.
Meanwhile the Yuva Rajput Sabha also took out a peaceful march from Bohri to Talab Tillo and dispersed later.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Jammu called for shutdown to oppose imposition of Property Tax.
“The government has imposed the property tax without consulting anybody and also without taking into confidence the business community and the general public,” Arun Gupta, President, CCI had said further stating that presently the government has no land policy so that the people of J&K can get the ownership rights and lease rights.
The people of Jammu are much disturbed due to the non cooperative attitude of the government and instead of giving any relief to the people, the government has imposed property tax which actually is the prerogative of the elected government and municipal corporation and local bodies, said Gupta.