Proposed 28% GST hike will destroy Kashmiri art, says Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar, Dec 21: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has strongly criticized the proposed 28% GST hike on textiles, warning that it will devastate Kashmir’s rich artistic heritage, including shawls and handicrafts.She also called on National Conference vice president and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to address the issue and safeguard the region’s traditional industries.Speaking to reporters, Mehbooba said, “Today, when you increase GST by 28% in the capital of Kashmir, our art will automatically end. Efforts are being made to destroy it by doing development work on horticulture land and by imposing GST on shawls and handicrafts. Both these things kept Jammu and Kashmir alive in difficult times.”Mehbooba urged Omar Abdullah to take concrete steps to address the issue. “I request Omar Sahab, what are you doing to save it? What are you doing on the matter of increasing GST by 28%? I hope that Omar Sahab will pay attention to this and solve the problems of the people,” she added, as quoted by news agency ANI.The PDP chief’s remarks come amid widespread opposition to the proposed GST hike, which many fear will severely impact Kashmir’s traditional textile and craft industries, leaving countless artisans and small businesses struggling to survive.The 28% tax hike proposal, currently under discussion at the GST Council’s 55th meeting in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, has drawn criticism from various quarters for its potential to harm regional economies reliant on handicrafts and textiles.