Shops Shut Across Kashmir Due To Strike Over GST Launch:- Due to strike over the Goods and Services Tax (GST) launch in the State, most of the shops and business establishments were shut across Kashmir.

The Jammu and Kashmir Coordination Committee (JKCC) called on the strike. It prompted the authorities to compel restrictions in parts of Srinagar, the summer capital. In Srinagar, most of the shops and other business establishments were closed.

The JKCC is an umbrella body, that represents trade, commerce and industrial organizations, besides civil society formations, in the valley. It has been opposing the proposed introduction of GST in the state in its current form.

On Wednesday, the JKCC called the general strike across the valley, to protest against what they termed as “high-handedness” of the authorities and the proposed GST launch in the state.

After several traders, tried to march towards the state Assembly, they were detained on Tuesday. The JKCC, condemning the police action, called the strike. However, the public transport remained unaffected. District Magistrate (Deputy Commissioner) Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Lone told, that the restrictions are in force in areas under jurisdictions of police stations Nowhatta, M R Gunj, Rainawari, Khanyar and Safakadal,

As a precautionary measure to maintain law and order, the curbs were imposed, said Mr. Lone. The only state in the country which is yet to implement the new tax regime, is Jammu and Kashmir.

The implementation of GST in its present form, is being opposed by the opposition parties, the business community and the civil society. It claimed that as guaranteed under Article 370 of the Constitution and its fiscal autonomy, it would undermine the state’s special status.

SUPRAJA