Advisor to J&K Chief Minister flags off FICCI CASCADE’s Auto Rally to highlight impacts of Illicit trade
Jul 14, 2025
Smuggling, counterfeiting are silent threats; Need to educate citizens to become vigilant consumers: Advisor to J&K Chief Minister
- Auto rally mobilizes public to join the movement against smuggled and counterfeit goods
- FICCI CASCADE urges grassroots community engagement and behavioural change
SRINAGAR, 14 July 2025: To amplify its commitment towards building awareness against the growing threat of illicit trade in India, FICCI CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy) today organized an Auto Rally in Srinagar. This initiative witnessed over 200 auto rickshaws forming a convoy as they traversed a designated route which commenced from Nehru Park, Boulevard Road, Srinagar.
Flagging off the auto rally, Mr Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Hon'ble Chief Minister said, “Smuggling and counterfeiting are silent threats that infiltrate our markets, harm local businesses, deprive the government of vital revenue, and put the lives of citizens at risk. While their impact may not always be visible, the consequences are grave. This rally is an important step in educating our people and encouraging them to be vigilant consumers. I commend FICCI CASCADE for bringing this campaign to the heart of Kashmir and urge every citizen to be a responsible part of this movement.”
“There is a need for widespread public sensitization and societal change to effectively combat the growing acceptance of counterfeit goods and smuggled products in everyday commerce”, emphasized Mr Wani.
He further stated that we wholeheartedly support this important cause and stand united in the fight against illicit trade. “We are committed to taking this initiative forward with sustained efforts, greater collaboration, and impactful action in Jammu and Kashmir,” added Mr Wani.
The rally marked yet another milestone in FICCI CASCADE’s national awareness campaign, aimed at engaging with communities, spreading awareness about the serious consequences of illicit trade, and mobilizing public support to curb the menace of smuggling and counterfeiting.
The auto rally was meticulously organized and proceeded through Nehru Park, Boulevard Road, and proceeded past prominent city landmarks including SKICC and Royal Springs Golf Course Gate, before culminating back at Nehru Park. The convoy of auto rickshaws carried vibrant banners, vividly highlighting the urgent issues associated with illicit trade. Emphasizing its severe repercussions, the banners carried messages about how illicit trade contributes to job losses, finances terror activities, fuels crime syndicates and is a health hazard.
Mr Tanvir Sadiq, Member of Legislative Assembly, Jammu and Kashmir, said that “Illicit trade poses a serious threat to our economy, endangers livelihoods, and compromises public safety. In a region like Jammu and Kashmir, where we are working tirelessly towards stability and progress, combating counterfeiting and smuggling must be a shared priority. Strong enforcement and public awareness are essential to protect the rights of genuine businesses and the future of our youth.”
Mr Mushtaq Ahmed Burza, Chair, FICCI J&K State Council, said that “In a region like Jammu & Kashmir, where economic stability and employment are key pillars of progress, curbing illicit trade is vital to ensuring growth, trust, and lawful enterprise.”
Mr Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Special Commissioner of Police, New Delhi, said, “Illicit trade is not just an economic issue, it is a threat to national security. Often, proceeds from smuggling find their way into funding organized crime and terrorist activities. Every smuggled product in the market is a blow to legitimate business, a loss to the exchequer, and a potential hazard to public health. Through this rally in Srinagar, we aim to empower and involve every citizen as an active partner in this vital fight against illicit trade.”
The Auto Rally in Srinagar stands as a significant step forward in FICCI CASCADE’s ongoing efforts to engage with communities, local authorities, and the general public in the fight against illicit trade. By fostering awareness and encouraging public resistance to smuggling and counterfeiting, initiatives like this play a crucial role in building a more informed and vigilant society. Through sustained outreach campaigns, FICCI CASCADE continues to strengthen consumer awareness and mobilize nationwide support to eradicate the menace of illicit trade.
According to a recent report by FICCI CASCADE titled “Challenging Landscape of Illicit Trade: How Changing Factors of Consumption Affect Illicit Markets in 5 Key Industries in India”, the size of the illicit market in just five key sectors including FMCG packaged goods, personal and household care, alcohol, tobacco, and textiles & apparel, has been estimated at ₹7.97 lakh crore.
The report further reveals that:
- The illicit market in textiles & apparel alone stands at ₹4,03,915 crore, accounting for over 50% of the total illicit trade.
- FMCG packaged foods account for ₹2,23,875 crore.
- Personal and household care goods represent ₹73,813 crore.
The tobacco and alcohol industries, historically subject to higher tax regimes, are especially vulnerable. The report states that over 50% of the illicit tobacco market and 46% of the illicit alcohol trade are direct consequences of punitive taxation, which drives consumers and suppliers toward illegal alternatives. Illicit trade in these sectors not only results in reduced tax collections but also distorts market competition and discourages innovation by harming law-abiding businesses.