Indian Chamber of Commerce centenary event in Kashmir a statement against enemies of nation: Manoj Sinha

Indian Chamber of Commerce organized a retreat and dialogue here in Srinagar as part of its centenary celebrations which they said was an expression of solidarity with Jammu and Kashmir following the Pahalgam attack.

Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, who was chief guest at the inaugural program here said the ICC's decision to hold this function in Srinagar was a statement against the enemies of the nation. The ICC is one of oldest chamber of commerce in India, headquartered in Kolkata. Since it's start in 1925, it has played a pivotal in shaping India's business landscape and has presence in India and abroad.

"After Pahalgam there was sudden halt in tourism and hospitality sector, but after June we have seen a fresh Breeze, inclduing successful conduct of Amarnath Yatra in which four lakh people participated," said Sinha adding, "ICC's has acted as a family member and held this executive meeting stating that no act of terror can shake the foundations of this country." The J&K LG said that the event was a "statement against enemies of the nation and exemplifies hope."

The LG praised ICC for being an important and among the oldest pillars of Indian economy playing critical role in policy advocacy and ensuring business friendliness. While talking about the change in J&K, Sinha said, "fear of terrorism and terror ecosystem is waning. This year people from Pulwama and Shopian participated in Tiranga rally. Few years back police and government would not enter in some of these areas." Sinha said that Kashmir Valley, where strike was observed on the directions of neighbouring nation for around 150 days each years, hasn't seen a single strike in last five years.

"At one point of time while Valley would shut on death of a terrorist, but now they have started coming out on streets against terrorists and terrorism. This is a huge difference," said Sinha.

The ICC officials said that they decided to do this centenary meeting in Srinagar following the Pahalgam attack in which 52 people are participating. "J&K has immense potential and we want it to fully integrate with the national economic potential keeping it's unique identity" said Rahul Sahai, Director General at the ICC. He said that the ICC aims to integrate region like J&K more into the Indian fabric.

"Kashmir is the crown jewel of India's hospitality. Selective coverage and entrenched biases had shadowed the region. But now there is a change and reassurance on ground driven by decisive governance," said Abhyuday Jindal, president of the ICC. He said that J&K progress is critical for the development and prosperity of the country. The participants also shared a few business proposals with Sinha and Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner Secretary Industries and Commerce in J&K. The proposals included setting up of nursing college and an ayurveda center for tourists.