Sopore, May 19 (JKNS): Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, who was recently selected for The Kashmir Fruit Traders Association, Fruit Mandi Sopore, on Monday raised concerns over alleged lack of accountability and misuse of funds in the Mandi association, while calling for reforms and transparency in its functioning.
Addressing a meeting in Sopore, Bhat said the gathering had been announced nearly a week in advance through notices and public advertisements. He said the purpose of the meeting was to deliberate on issues concerning the association and discuss measures for institutional reforms.
Bhat said he had earlier served the association (Kashmir Fruit Growers and Dealers Association) who is headed by Fayaz Ahmed Malik @ Kaka Ji for five years as chairman affairs three years as vice president before resigning in 2025.
He stated that after stepping down, he publicly highlighted concerns regarding the functioning of the body through print and electronic media.
“I had stated that there was lack of accountability and misuse of funds in the association, and I still stand by that statement,” Bhat said.
He claimed that following the allegations, a committee was constituted and an order for an audit was issued by the president of the association.
According to him, the oath ceremony was deferred at that time in view of the developments.
However, Bhat alleged that some close associates of the leadership later objected to the proposed audit, maintaining that the constitution and by laws of the association did not provide for such an exercise.
Despite the objections, he said committee members remained in contact and continued discussions on ways to reform the institution and improve transparency in its affairs.
It is noteworthy, prominent fruit associates including Reyaz Ahmed War, Mushtaq Ahmed Tantry, Maqsood Ahmed Bhat and others joined the presser. (JKNS)
