KCCI Elects Javid Ahmad Tenga as President, Focuses on Economy

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I) convened its 91st Annual General Meeting on October 6, 2025, at Hotel The Kabo in Srinagar, where Javid Ahmad Tenga was elected as President. This significant event marked a pivotal moment in the chamber’s long-standing commitment to the business community of Jammu and Kashmir.

Under the leadership of Mushtaq Ahmad Wani, Chairman of the Election Commission for the Executive Committee (2025–27), the meeting saw the election of 21 members from a pool of 30 candidates. These newly elected members represent a blend of experience and youth, poised to guide KCC&I for the next two years. Alongside Tenga, the leadership team includes Dr. Umer Nazir Tibetbaqal as Senior Vice President and Faiz Ahmad Bakshi as General Secretary, both of whom are stepping into their roles for the third consecutive term.

The AGM was well attended, featuring a robust representation of past presidents, senior members, and prominent figures from the business sector. An observer from the District Administration was also present, underscoring the meeting’s significance.

In his inaugural address, Tenga expressed heartfelt gratitude to the KCC&I members and the broader business community for their unwavering support. He stated, “We are beginning a new chapter with renewed energy and collective responsibility.” Tenga highlighted the urgent need to address the challenges facing the local economy, particularly emphasizing the tourism sector.

“The tourism sector, one of the vital pillars of our economy, has been under stress due to fluctuating visitor inflow, especially since April 2025,” he noted, adding that infrastructural challenges have compounded these issues. He committed to engaging actively with government officials and stakeholders to secure necessary support and policy facilitation for tourism.

Tenga also addressed the difficulties faced by the horticulture sector, which has suffered from significant losses due to frequent highway closures. He announced plans to advocate for a special freight train service during the harvest season and winter months to ensure timely transportation of fruit products. Additionally, he expressed concern over the decline in handicraft exports, which has adversely affected thousands of artisans and exporters in the region.

“Our focus will also include the general trade and goods and services sectors, which form the backbone of our economic ecosystem,” Tenga asserted. He emphasized that KCC&I will continue to promote a conducive business environment, improve logistics, and advocate for policies that foster entrepreneurship and job creation in the Valley.

In recognition of their service, Tenga paid tribute to outgoing office bearers, including Ashiq Hussain Shangloo, Fayaz Ahmad Punjabi, and Zubair Ahmad Mahajan, acknowledging their significant contributions to KCC&I. He noted that while they have stepped back due to prior commitments, they remain valued members of the executive committee.

The President remarked on the importance of unity within the chamber, stating, “No matter who made it or did not make it, elections are behind us, and every member remains committed to working with greater zeal for the promotion and growth of businesses.”

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to Wani and the Election Commission for ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections, with support from officials of the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar’s office. Past presidents, including A.M. Mattoo and G.M. Dug, also spoke, congratulating the new leadership and reinforcing the need for transparency and dedication in their roles.

As the AGM wrapped up, a collective pledge was made to strengthen the institutional credibility of KCC&I and foster dialogue with policymakers, ensuring the representation and protection of the interests of the business community across all sectors of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy.