Jammu, Jan 11: Traders and business representatives in Jammu have strongly opposed the demand for a separate Jammu state, asserting that any further division would severely damage the economy, weaken trade and go against national interest.
Members of the trading community said Jammu lacks sufficient independent resources and is already facing economic distress due to declining business activity, lack of tourism support and limited government assistance. They maintained that separation from Kashmir would further aggravate these challenges and push traders into deeper hardship.
The traders said Jammu’s economic linkage with Kashmir has historically benefited both regions, particularly in terms of trade flow, tourism and employment. “Both regions are interdependent. Any separation will disturb this balance, and Jammu will suffer more,” they said.
As reported by news agency Kashmir News Trust, the traders also demanded restoration of full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, terming it the only viable solution to address regional grievances. They expressed resentment over the bifurcation that led to Ladakh being separated, stating that “Ladakh was already taken away, and further division will only weaken the region.”
Reacting to allegations of discrimination raised by some political quarters in Jammu, the traders said it was the responsibility of elected representatives to address such issues. “If discrimination exists, it is the duty of politicians to resolve it. Dividing people is not the solution,” they said.
They criticised legislators who, according to them, indulge in divisive rhetoric without delivering development. Referring to the 29 Bharatiya Janata Party legislators from Jammu, the traders urged them to focus on economic growth and public welfare instead of what they described as communal politics.
The trading community warned that any further division would be fatal for regional harmony and detrimental to national interests. “We strongly condemn the politics of division. As traders, we want unity, stability and development,” they said.
They also recalled the economic losses suffered after the cancellation of the Darbar Move in the past and welcomed its restoration, saying the move had earlier caused serious damage to trade and livelihoods in Jammu.
Reiterating that unity between Jammu and Kashmir is essential for economic recovery and long-term stability, the traders urged the political leadership to work towards inclusive development rather than regional fragmentation.
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