Srinagar, Sept 25: As voting for the second phase of J&K Assembly election was held on Wednesday, the traders community in Narbal, Budgam turned out in significant numbers, casting their votes for candidates they believe can address their longstanding trade-related concerns.
Muzaffar Ahmad, president of traders federation Narbal, cast his vote at Higher Secondary School Narbal. He highlighted the numerous unresolved issues that traders in the area have been facing for years.
“There are many problems within the trade sector that have not been addressed for a long time. With that in mind, we chose the democratic path to bring about change and resolve these issues,” he said.
Ahmad emphasized that many of the traders in Narbal have been engaged in business for decades, and for most, it is their sole source of livelihood.
He explained that not only the traders, but their families also voted for the candidate they believe will prioritize and resolve their issues related to business.
“One major concern is GST on earnings below Rs 5 lakh. There should be exemptions to allow small businesses to grow and thrive,” he added.
The President of Traders Federation also raised concerns over the rising electricity charges, which traders find unaffordable.
“The high power tariffs are a burden on us. We cannot sustain these costs, and we hope for a revision in the rates. Additionally, we face significant issues related to drinking water, which must be addressed by the new government,” he said.
Bilal Ahmad Bhat, a 35 year old Narbal resident who said he has voted for the first time, echoed similar sentiments. He expressed frustration over the lack of progress in addressing local grievances during the past ten years, a period during which assembly elections were not held.
“We’ve faced tough times over the last decade, with issues like power shortages and a lack of proper drinking water remaining unresolved. There was no one we could approach to raise these concerns,” he said.
The trader community in Narbal, along with first-time voters like Bhat, have placed their hopes in this election, hoping that their voices will finally be heard and their long-standing issues will be resolved by the new assembly.
