“Hospitality giants abandoned their staff within weeks—but Kashmir’s traders stood firm, as always. The spirit of resilience lives in our markets, not in boardrooms.”: Mohammad Altaf Dar, President, JKBC
Srinagar, May 25,2025 : President of Jammu and Kashmir Business Confederation (JKBC), Mohammad Altaf Dar, has expressed serious concern over the mass layoffs and salary cuts carried out by leading players in the hospitality sector within just 30 days of the ongoing crisis.
“It’s unfortunate that the same hotel industry, which was loudly preaching the values of Kashmiriyat and Insaniyat just a few weeks ago, has now abandoned its workforce without warning or support,” said M Altafdar Rajbagh.
Citing reports, he noted that many hotels have either laid off up to 80% of their staff or halved their salaries, exposing the vulnerability of employees in this largely unregulated and overindulged sector. “The poor staff are left to fend for themselves, with no safety net, no union support, and no accountability from the employers,” he added.
In sharp contrast,M Altafdar Rajbagh lauded the unwavering support shown by Kashmir’s trading community toward their employees. “Be it the devastating 2014 floods, the 2016 unrest, or the COVID-19 pandemic—our traders have never deserted their staff. Despite recurring losses, shopkeepers and small business owners stood shoulder to shoulder with their workers. That is real Insaniyat.”
M Altafdar Rajbagh called for a serious review of labor practices in the hospitality sector and urged authorities to bring the industry under proper regulatory frameworks to safeguard the rights of employees. “Let’s recognize where true resilience and solidarity reside—in our markets, among our traders, who uphold community values not just in words but in action.”
