Srinagar, May 24: A delegation of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Monday met Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Pandurang K Pole and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Mohammed Aijaz to discuss ways to mitigate the COVID-19 crisis.

The KCCI delegation was led by its president Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad and general-secretary Farooq Amin as part of Kashmir Inc’s follow up meeting on issues regarding trade, commerce and industry, raised in an interaction with the Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Ahmad Khan on May 20.

KCCI spokesperson said, the delegation explained the dignitaries about the issues faced by weaker sections of the society impacted by the pandemic triggered lockdown.

The association highlighted the issues and problems faced by the weaker sections of society connected with trade and commerce that required urgent assistance and attention. It also thanked the authorities for taking the time to interact and understand the issues and problems being faced by them.

“The suggestions were well received,” KCCI spokesperson said adding that “we are hopeful the issues will be addressed on priority.”

According to the spokesperson, the president suggested authorities’ steps to mitigate the adverse impacts of the prolonging pandemic and the continuous lockdown.

“As the market in Kashmir is frequently shut since more than a year and businesses are battling successive lockdowns, the delegation suggested to authorities to unlock market in a phase-wise manner from June 01 onwards,” he said.

He said the delegation assured the authorities that COVID-19 appropriate behaviour would be followed strictly by all the stakeholders.

It also drew the government’s attention to the Restaurants and Café sector which supports the livelihood of many people, as the area is also facing difficulties due to the continuous lockdown, he added.

The spokesperson said the delegation requested DC Srinagar who is also chairman DDMA to consider allowing home delivery activities in the Restaurants and Café sector.

The delegation also raised the issue of wholesalers and distributors facing problems in supplying goods to the dealers.

“The delegation requested authorities to ensure availability of essential Kiryana items, baby food and medicines and medical products and facilitating their smooth operations,” said the KCCI spokesperson.

Keeping the health and well-being of common people in consideration, the delegation stressed on the need of containing the contagion through fumigation and vaccination drives especially in cramped old city of Srinagar.

He said, the delegation in a meeting with the divisional commissioner highlighted the problems faced by people due to dilapidated roads especially in Srinagar city. The delegation requested the Div Com to expedite the process of road repairing for the convenience of public.

“They requested administration to extend the relief measures and compensation to other affected sections of society who also live hand-to-mouth and have been affected due to the pandemic,” the spokesperson said.

The delegation drew the attention of the government to the lack of oxygen in some hospitals of the valley and requested the administration to ensure the availability of life-saving gas.

“They fervently appealed for monetary compensation to vulnerable sections of the society impacted due to the corona curfew,” he said.

The KCCI delegation also raised the issue of compensation to hailstorm affected farmers.

Sheikh Ashiq and Farooq Amin stated that the business community fully backs the administration in the fight against the COVID pandemic.

The delegation appreciated the government’s COVID-19 management and extended all support to the efforts to contain the contagion.

The delegation thanked Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for announcing a slew of measures to mitigate the sufferings of various vulnerable sections of community due to COVID-19.

The KCCI delegation also expressed gratitude to Advisor Baseer Ahmad Khan, divisional commissioner and DC Srinagar for their patient hearing and assurances to address the flagged issues on priority.