In occupied Kashmir, the pharma associates of Jammu have warned Indian and multinational pharma companies of stern action if they supply medicines directly to the Kashmir valley.
In a memo to all pharma companies, under the heading "Follow the ethics or face action", the Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir Pharma Associates, Rakesh Gupta wrote that any organisation attempting to disturb the existing distribution system in the occupied territory shall face non-co-operation from Jammu as also from rest of India, KMS reported.
It added that if any complaint was received by the association, strict action will be initiated against the defaulting companies not only through the different associations but also the political parties across India. It is pertinent to mention here that the Kashmir valley faced acute shortage of medicine, baby food during past two months following the economic blockade imposed by Hindu communal groups of Jammu.
The pharmacists of occupied Kashmir have termed the memo as a tactic to blackmail them. "First the pharmaceutical distributors of Jammu openly supported the extremist organisations which enforced economic blockade, including supply of medicines to the Valley.
The Jammu pharmaceutical distributors seem to be frustrated as we have finalised the modalities with outside pharma companies to supply medicines directly to the Valley," said Arshad Hussain, General Secretary of the Srinagar Chemists and Distributors Association.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Pharma Association has informed its dealers to go for non-co-operation with Lupin Laboratories in Jammu. Lupin Laboratories was the first to start direct trade with Kashmir distributors without involving the Jammu middlemen. Gupta has asked the Lupin Labs to give written apology within three days or non-co-operation would be extended to the company throughout India by various associations and political parties.