Now  J&K ML, reportedly, has  decided to award exploration and exploitation of sapphire mines worth millions of dollars in Paddar area of  Kishtwar district to a New Delhi based M/S Minework Pvt. Ltd for entering into a  joint venture with J&KML.  Business community in Kishtwar has called it a move to all “plunder” of state’s resources by the  JKML through non-local companies. A senior Officer of the Industries and Commerce Department is,  inter-alia, reported to have  said, “when JKML has to bring itself into existence for exploration  of resources,  why would they  enter into such kind of joint venture?” The officer is reported to have further quoted the example of outside companies refusing to leave state resources adding example of NHPC which took over control   of water resources  and now J & K buys power from them at exorbitant rates. Other business associations like Chamber of Commerce & Industries Kashmir, Federation of Commerce & Industries Kashmir too have opposed the move  and viewed it condemnable.  Federation of Chamber of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has said, “It is highly condemnable that outside company has been roped in extraction of sapphire mines with huge potential while ignoring local companies.” Its former President has said, ” Land and resources are property of the residents of Jammu & Kashmir. We won’t allow plunder of our resources. We are already facing loot of our resources”. Statement of another industry body Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industries Kashmir (CCIK) reads that, “As usual an outside agency is being unduly benefitted even though local entrepreneurs are more than qualified for executing this kind of work. This fact stands established with all the concerned departments of the local government. This is deprivation of job  and benefit to the local people.” It suggested  the Administration to involve  local enterprise in the said industry rather than handing it over to outside agencies.