J&K: Shops in Srinagar shut due to strike called after Goods and Services Tax launch

Protests due to proposed rollout of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in Jammu and Kashmir lead to closure of most shops and business establishments in Kashmir on Wednesday.

The Jammu and Kashmir Coordination Committee (JKCC) called the strike which forced the authorities to implement restrictions in parts of Srinagar.

Most of the shops and other business establishments in Srinagar were closed.

JKCC, which has been opposing proposed introduction of GST in the state in its current form, is an umbrella body representing trade, commerce and industrial organisations, besides civil society formations, in the valley.

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

Yesterday, several traders were detained after they tried to march towards the state Assembly. Condemning the police action, JKCC called the strike.

However, public transport remained unaffected.

Restrictions are in force in areas under jurisdictions of police stations Nowhatta, M R Gunj, Rainawari, Khanyar and Safakadal, District Magistrate (Deputy Commissioner) Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Lone told PTI.

Lone said the curbs were imposed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.

Jammu and Kashmir is the only state in the country which is yet to implement the new tax regime.

Opposition parties, the business community and the civil society are opposing the implementation of GST in its present form, claiming it would undermine the state’s special status as guaranteed under Article 370 of the Constitution and its fiscal autonomy.

With PTI inputs

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