Jammu traders allege discrimination, announce shutdown

Alleging discrimination against Jammu region by the state government, various traders organisations on Thursday announced a complete shutdown here on Friday.

Rakesh Gupta, president of the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said at a press conference that "The state government has been acting against the interests of the common man and the traders in the Jammu region."

"Despite repeated requests to consider our demands, the state government has been overlooking the problem which speaks of its step motherly treatment towards the Jammu region."

"We are not against setting up of an AIIMS in the (Kashmir) Valley. You may set up five such institutions there, but not at the cost of the Jammu region which deserves an AIIMS."

Gupta said: "It is strange and regrettable that the BJP which got all its seats during the state assembly elections from the Jammu region and has since been part of the ruling coalition in the state has also started acting against the interests of the Jammu region."

He said all businesses, public transport and other industrial activities will remain suspended on Friday against the alleged discrimination by the state government.

The shutdown call got support from the Congress, the National Conference and the National Panthers Party.