Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 22: Bali Bhagat, senior BJP leader and former Minister today expressed serious concern over the persistent and unjust difficulties being faced by arms and ammunition manufacturers and dealers in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
He expressed deep anguish over the indefinite suspension of valid licenses of arms dealers.
Bali said that the Government’s inaction is crippling a lawful industry and pushing hundreds of families into economic distress.
The former Minister was speaking after interacting with a delegation of Gun Manufacturers Association headed by its president Sanjay Sharma accompanied by Satish Sharma and Sumit Dasgotra.
Earlier, the association members submitted a memorandum to the former Minister and said that the dealers are being penalized for administrative lapses that are no fault of theirs.
Bali termed the situation a “bureaucratic injustice,” and said, “The total industry loss is estimated to have crossed Rs 100 crore and the human cost, families going without income is incalculable.”
“The issue is not just administrative but one of constitutional rights and fair governance. Punishing those who follow the law, instead of holding erring officials accountable, sends a wrong message and erodes trust in the system,” he said adding, “Jammu’s arms manufacturing industry has a long and respectable history. It must not be allowed to perish due to indifference and systemic negligence.”
The former Minister appealed to the Home and Defence Ministers to take cognizance of the matter and ensure justice is delivered.
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