SRINAGAR: In a significant step aimed at restoring robust democratic functioning within its ranks, the Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has constituted a nine-member Election Commission tasked with conducting fresh elections within two months, in strict accordance with the FCIK Constitution.
The development followed the first meeting of the newly formed Advisory Committee, chaired by FCIK President Shahid Kamili, during which the appointment of Majid Aslam Wafai as the head of the Commission was unanimously approved. The other members of the Commission include Javid Ahmad Bhat, Ghulam Mohiuddin, Zain-ul-Abideen, Mohammed Ayub, Abdul Raheem Sofi, Muzaffar Ahmad Shah, Abdul Wahid Chishti, and Mehraj-ud-Din.
The Election Commission has been mandated to oversee a free, fair, and transparent electoral process within a two-month timeframe, thus paving the way for renewed leadership and institutional consolidation at FCIK.
Members of the Advisory Committee expressed their gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani for their timely intervention and guidance to the Director of Industries and Commerce, ensuring independent oversight over the election process.
The meeting also ratified the minutes of the Extraordinary General Body Meeting held on May 4, 2025, and took up several pressing concerns facing the industrial sector. These included the need for a new procurement policy, a non-discretionary One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme, extension of the ongoing power amnesty, and specific relief measures for wood-based industries.
The Advisory Committee pledged complete support to President Shahid Kamili in managing the organisation’s operations during the interim period. In a move aimed at responsive governance, industrial members dealing with regional or unit-specific issues were advised to contact their respective estate or district presidents for prompt redressal.
Held at the Industrial Estate Zainakote, the meeting saw the participation of prominent industrialists, including Farooq Ahmad Anshari, Iftikhar Hussain Misgar, Syed Fazal Illahi, Mohammad Ashraf Khan, and several others. Afaq Qadiri, Muzaffar Ahmad Shah, and Imran Murtaza joined virtually, marking a comprehensive engagement from across the region.
