17/12/2025
Young Kashmir Footpath Union Polo View Holds Felicitation Ceremony, New Body Assumes Charge
Farooq Ahmad Bhat elected President as Aga Syed Mohammad Hussaini, Peer Imtiyaz-ul-Hassan and Inam Un Nabi grace the event
Srinagar, Dec 17:The Young Kashmir Footpath Union, Polo View, Srinagar, on Wednesday organised a dignified felicitation ceremony marking the formal handover of responsibilities to its newly elected body. The event witnessed the felicitating of elected members, reaffirming the Union’s resolve towards organised, transparent and accountable leadership.
The newly constituted body includes Farooq Ahmad Bhat as President, Abdur Rahman Bhat as Vice President, Shamim Ahmed Dhobi as General Secretary, Fayaz Ahmed Khan as Treasurer, Showkat Ahmed Mir as Organiser, Ahmad Rather as Secretary and Jhon Mohammad Lone as Political Secretary. The election process was conducted under the supervision of Chief Election Observer Nisaar Ahmad.
The ceremony was graced by Former Corporator and Chairman Greater Srinagar Leadership Aga Syed Mohammad Hussaini, BTA President and CAIT General Secretary J&K Peer Imtiyaz-ul-Hassan, Senior Political Leader and AIP General Secretary Inam Un Nabi, President Footpath Association LD Jhon Mohammad, and senior journalists Fahad Amin Khan and Azhar Hussain Tantray, besides other prominent personalities.
The programme commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Syed Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari, followed by addresses from the guests of honour and other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Aga Syed Mohammad Hussaini said, “Footpath associations are among the most crucial trade bodies that sustain economic flow and ensure availability of essential items at affordable rates for the common masses.”
He said that the contribution of footpath traders remains immense and often understated. Congratulating the newly elected leadership, he expressed confidence that the new body would lead the association with vision, unity and responsibility, taking it to new heights.
BTA President Peer Imtiyaz-ul-Hassan, while speaking on the occasion, stated, “Footpath trade is a vital pillar of our trade ecosystem and its contribution to revenue generation cannot be ignored.”
He emphasized that footpath traders play a significant role in the economic framework and urged the government to take concrete steps for their welfare and institutional recognition, asserting that their role in society deserves respect and protection.
Both speakers strongly countered the prevailing stigma attached to footpath traders, asserting that their hard work and honesty serve as a powerful example for society. They noted that earning through lawful means is the most dignified form of livelihood and described footpath traders as an inspiration for all those striving for self-respect and independence.
The event concluded with the distribution of certificates among the newly elected members, followed by an expression of gratitude to all guests and participants.
Speaking to the media, Vice President Abdur Rahman Bhat, on behalf of the newly elected body, said, “We will remain at the forefront in championing the genuine issues of footpath traders and ensure that the association is guided by responsible, transparent and collective leadership.”
He added that the new body is committed to safeguarding the dignity, rights and welfare of its members while constructively engaging with all stakeholders for the betterment of the trading community