The situation took a different turn when the people associated with different organisations protested to the raids
GST raids on three hotels in Leh on Saturday night resulted in a half-day shutdown on Sunday as a protest. Shops and business establishments were closed, and traders and hoteliers threatened to intensify their agitation if the "harassment is not stopped".
"Yesterday, suddenly they raided our hotels. We had sought time. Our talks were on with the GST council and finance minister. And without giving any notice, they raided our hotels. This is harassment. We never said we will not pay tax, but we have sought time," said PT Kunzang, President, Ladakh Tourist Trade Alliance.
The situation took a different turn when the people associated with different organisations protested to the raids. "We did not want confrontation and therefore allowed them to collect the data in the evening," Kunzang said.
Later, different organisations, including Ladakh Tourist Trade Alliance and Hotel Association decided to observe a half-day hartal in Leh against the raids.
"They should have given us the notices. We felt harassed when they barged inside our hotels without giving us notice. Therefore, all organisations later decided to observe the bandh on Sunday," said Kunzang.
Tourism is the mainstay for the economy of Leh, which remains cut off from the rest of the country and world through road for almost six months. "We remain cut off from the rest of India for seven months and many things are not available here. We operate only for five months at the most. We have been pleading with the central and J&K government for the last one year for some relief," said Tashi Motof, president, Hotel Association Leh. Thupstan Chewang, BJP's Member Parliament from Ladakh, said they have been pressing for relaxation in the imposition of GST in Ladakh for at least five years.
SUSTAINED EFFORT
Thupstan Chewang, BJP’s Member Parliament from Ladakh, said they have been pressing for relaxation in the imposition of GST in Ladakh for at least five years
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