IIOJK Traders Unite Against Exploitation

Kashmiri traders rise against Delhi’s predatory banking, demanding justice for local businesses under siege.

In Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the business community is rising against what they call predatory practices by the Delhi-controlled J&K Bank. The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has announced a series of protests, accusing the bank of harassing borrowers, especially Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with eviction notices, e-auction threats, and harsh debt recovery tactics.

Industry leaders have condemned the bank payments. They argue that these actions ignore systemic delays, such as overdue payments from government departments, which impact the ability of businesses to meet their obligations. The traders also criticized the exorbitant interest rates and burdensome security requirements imposed by the bank, claiming these measures stifle local businesses already struggling under difficult economic conditions.

The FCIK has vowed to stage peaceful protests, including sit-ins and press briefings, while also appealing to the Reserve Bank of India and the Indian government for intervention. They demand an immediate end to the bank’s exploitative practices and a more empathetic approach toward borrowers. “We will not stop until the voices of Kashmiri businesses are heard and justice is delivered,” said an FCIK spokesperson. 

These protests reflect growing frustration within the region’s business community, which feels increasingly targeted by Delhi’s policies. Traders argue that such practices are deliberately aimed at weakening the local economy and deepening the region’s dependence on external control. By rallying together, the FCIK hopes to bring national attention to their plight and push for reforms that ensure fair treatment for borrowers.

The struggle against J&K Bank’s actions aligns with the larger narrative of resistance in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. As regional political and business leaders, including the PDP, emphasize the restoration of dignity and justice for Kashmiris, these protests symbolize a broader demand for economic and social fairness in a region grappling with systemic suppression. 

The outcome of this movement could set a precedent for addressing the exploitation faced by small businesses across Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, offering hope for fairer policies and revitalized economic independence.