The call for shutdown in Jammu against imposition of property tax evoked a mixed response on Saturday. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said people are wise enough to understand the situation very well.

Sinha said his doors are open for dialogue on the issue and the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir have been given priority while framing the rules.

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The call for the day-long bandh against the tax was given by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The call was supported by various political parties.

The Union Territory administration recently notified imposition of property tax in municipal areas from 1 April. The tax rates will be 5 percent of the annual taxable value for residential properties and 6 per cent for commercial properties.

While some markets in the city remained closed, in some areas the shops were open.

Work in the high court and other subordinate courts was also affected as lawyers associated with the Jammu chapter of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association participated in the strike.

The All J&K Transport Welfare Association, however, kept itself away from the strike, claiming that they were not taken into confidence by the traders’ body.

 “The people of J&K are wise and intelligent. They understand the situation very well,” Lt Governor told reporters here on the sidelines of a function in response to a question about the strike by traders against the imposition of property tax.

Asked about the all-parties meeting chaired by NC president Farooq Abdullah at his residence later in the day with property tax being one of the issues on the agenda, Sinha said he does not speak on political issues. “I believe we have not left any scope for them on such issues. The interests of the people of J&K have been given top priority while framing the property tax policy. The tax amount fixed is one-tenth of the tax being paid by the people in Shimla, Ambala, and Dehradun,” he said.

He said there will be no tax on property in rural areas and 40 per cent population in urban areas, where 40 percent of people have to pay around Rs 1000 annually. There are 1.01 lakh shops, out of which 46 per cent of shops fall below 100 square feet and have to pay around Rs 700 annually and 36,000 shopkeepers only Rs 2000 annually on account of property tax. “We have issued toll-free numbers and sought suggestions from the public if they feel there is a scope for improvement. If there is a need for any relief, we will definitely give it to the public,” he said, adding his doors are open for dialogue on the issue.

On the protests by job aspirants over hiring of a previously blacklisted company for conducting computer-based written tests, Sinha said “the issue is before the court and the Constitution does not permit me to speak on it.”