Occupation of industrial units cause Rs 2,000 cr loss to J

Srinagar, Mar 31 (UNI) The continued occupation of industrial units, hotels and orchards and other places of public importance by security forces for the past 20 years has caused Rs 2,000 crore loss to the state economy, besides rendering thousands of workmen jobless, Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) said.

The FCIK has expressed serious concern over the continued occupation of industrial estates, hotels, orchards and other places by the security forces for the past two decades in Kashmir.

The FCIK, however, welcomed constitution of High Level Committee by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to look into gradual shifting of forces from places of public importance.

FCIK President Syed Shakeel Qalander has appealed all political and social organisations to support the case of industry and contribute towards conducive working environment in the valley.

''The peaceful environment is primarily required to obtain entrepreneurship in order to eradicate unemployment and achieve economic transformation.'' Demanding immediate shifting of security forces in these places of public importance, Mr Qalander said that at a time when political parties were talking to withdrawal of troops from Kashmir, security forces occupied yet another industrial complex at Zakura in the city outskirts recently.

He said occupation of the Zakura complex has badly affected the working in the adjacent industrial estate.

He demanded immediate withdrawal of security forces from the complex.

Mr Qalandar said that a meeting of FCIK members expressed concern and shock over the continued occupation by the security forces in industrial estates of Sopore, Sports Complex Bijbehara and Sumbal, Zakura, Zainakote and Anchidora.

The President informed in the meeting today that he has been taking up issue of occupation with various people in the government and administration.

He said the matter was last year taken up in meetings with Prime Minister and Home Minister, who had assured to shift forces from industrial estates to alternative places besides proper compensation to affected units.

The primary health and education system in far-flung area have further suffered due to deployment of forces in dispensaries and schools, Mr Qalandar claimed.

UNI