SRINAGAR: In a major step towards restoring democratic functioning within Kashmir’s top industrial body, the Chief Minister’s Office has formally intervened to resolve the ongoing election crisis within the Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK).
The intervention follows a detailed memorandum submitted on May 6, 2025, by FCIK President Shahid Kamili, supported by 26 presidents of various industrial estates and district-level units. The memorandum highlighted serious constitutional violations and procedural lapses by the now-dissolved FCIK Election Commission, which had stalled the electoral process and eroded the federation’s credibility.
Acting on these concerns, the Chief Minister’s Office has directed the Director, Industries and Commerce, Kashmir to deploy neutral observers to oversee fresh elections and examine a request to temporarily place FCIK’s Barzulla office under departmental custody. The Director has also been tasked with ensuring the elections strictly adhere to the FCIK Constitution and bylaws.
The newly constituted Advisory Committee, formed during an Extraordinary General Body Meeting on May 4, has been granted full constitutional authority to oversee the transition and establish a new, impartial Election Commission.
The move has been widely welcomed across Kashmir’s industrial community as a critical step towards transparency, accountability, and restoring FCIK’s role in shaping regional economic policy.
