- Citing concerns over organizational integrity, calls for urgent reform to empower, support local traders
SRINAGAR: In a bold and unprecedented move, Waseem Afroz Khan, Vice President of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) Kashmir Chapter, has resigned from both his position and basic membership. In a strongly worded letter addressed to CAIT’s President, Farhan Kitab and its members, he criticized the chapter for misusing authority, lacking transparency, and failing to address the pressing concerns of Kashmir’s local business community.
In his resignation letter, Mr. Khan highlighted a series of alarming issues that prompted his decision, including the chapter’s transformation into a personal tool for a select few individuals. He accused the leadership of straying from its core mission to uplift and empower local trade, instead prioritizing personal interests and undermining competitors.
Speaking about the organization, Mr. Khan remarked, “The CAIT Kashmir Chapter has lost its purpose and credibility. What should be a united front advocating for traders’ rights and economic growth has become a closed circle, dominated by unprofessional practices and personal agendas. Decisions are made in secrecy, excluding the collective voice of the business community. This is a betrayal of the trust placed in the organization by local Kashmiri traders.”
He expressed particular concern about the chapter's failure to promote local trade and address the unique challenges faced by the region's traders. Kashmir’s business community is resilient and resourceful, yet it faces immense challenges, from economic instability to limited market access. The CAIT Kashmir Chapter should have been a torchbearer for change—advocating for policy reforms, promoting local businesses, and fostering growth. Instead, it has stagnated, consumed by infighting and self-serving agendas. This is not what we envisioned,” Mr. Khan stated.
An active member of CAIT since 2015, Mr. Waseem Khan has participated to several national programs aimed at empowering local traders. However, he expressed disappointment over the Kashmir chapter’s deviation from these values. “I have always stood for integrity and fairness in trade practices. It is disheartening to see the CAIT Kashmir Chapter stray so far from its mission. I cannot continue to associate with an organization that fails to deliver for the community it claims to serve. My resignation is not just a protest—it is a call for change,” he added.
Waseem Khan emphasized the urgent need for a fresh approach to revitalize and empower Kashmir’s local trade sector. He urged credible business leaders and stakeholders to come together to create a transparent, accountable, and effective platform that genuinely addresses the needs of traders.
Kashmir’s traders deserve an organization that puts their local trade community interests first, champions their cause, and drives sustainable growth. We need to focus on market accessibility, policy reforms, and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs. The CAIT must undergo significant reforms to regain the trust of the business community,” he remarked.
Mr. Khan’s resignation serves as a wake-up call for the CAIT Kashmir Chapter to reassess its priorities and recommit to its foundational mission of empowering local traders. His decision reflects growing dissatisfaction among members and traders with the organization’s current direction.
