Draft:Imran Kehwah

Sheikh Mohammad Imran (Imran Kehwah)

Sheikh Mohammad Imran (born c. 1979), popularly known as Imran Kehwah, is a Kashmiri businessman, social activist, and politician. He is the founder and chairman of the Jammu & Kashmir People’s Alliance (JKPA) and has served as the Deputy Mayor of Srinagar. He also heads the Kehwah Group, a multi-venture business conglomerate. Known for his entrepreneurial vision, civic activism, and youth outreach, Imran is a prominent public figure in Jammu & Kashmir.

Early Life and Education

Sheikh Mohammad Imran hails from Ishber Nishat, Srinagar. He began his schooling at the prestigious Burn Hall School and later attended Good Shepherd International School, Ooty, Tamil Nadu, where he excelled in academics, sports, and leadership. During this period, he participated in the Duke of Edinburgh Program.

He pursued higher education at the University of Asia in Sharjah (UAE) and later at Hudson Valley Community College and the State University of New York (SUNY), Albany, USA.

Business Career: Kehwah Group

Imran Kehwah is the CEO and founder of the Kehwah Group, which operates across multiple sectors including transportation, silk-yarn manufacturing, hospitality, cold storage, and the retail of Kashmiri arts and crafts. Notably, he established a 5,000-MT controlled-atmosphere cold storage facility aimed at boosting horticulture in the region.

In 2012, he organized a high-profile economic conference modeled on the World Economic Forum, bringing corporate leaders such as Ratan Tata, K.M. Birla, Rahul Bajaj, Deepak Parekh, and Ashok Reddy to Kashmir. The event also saw participation from political figures including Rahul Gandhi and then Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, creating exposure for students and entrepreneurs.

He also played a key role in facilitating the entry of private banks such as HDFC, ICICI, and Axis Bank into Jammu & Kashmir, promoting financial inclusion and economic development.

Controversies and Financial Scrutiny

In 2019, income-tax authorities raided the Kehwah Group's offices over allegations of misuse of government subsidies and over-financing of loans. A ₹138 crore loan for a cold storage project—estimated to cost only ₹33 crore—raised red flags. Although Imran entered a one-time settlement with J&K Bank to repay ₹78 crore (of which ₹50.34 crore was paid), the settlement was later canceled for non-payment of the remaining amount, and a fresh demand of ₹125.07 crore was issued.

Deputy Mayor of Srinagar (2018–2019)

In the 2018 Urban Local Body elections, Imran was elected Deputy Mayor of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC). During his tenure, he initiated an anti-corruption movement within the SMC and pledged transparent governance. He convened key civic meetings and launched initiatives to improve city infrastructure and administration.

He also hosted a delegation led by Kjell Magne Bondevik, former Prime Minister of Norway, on behalf of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji, to foster dialogue between separatist and mainstream stakeholders.

Detention and Political Fallout

Imran was detained on August 5, 2019, following the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, and spent nine months in detention. During this period, a no-confidence motion was passed against him. Upon his release, he launched a UT-wide anti-corruption movement and successfully ousted the incumbent Mayor, positioning himself as a proponent of clean governance.

Political Career: JKPA

Imran founded the Jammu Kashmir People's Alliance (JKPA) to bridge the gap between youth and leadership. The party's mission includes promoting peace, development, dialogue, and youth empowerment. He envisions a new political culture centered on grassroots activism, civic service, and institutional reform.

Social and CSR Initiatives

Imran has initiated several Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs:

Construction of 380 bathrooms along Wullar Lake in Bandipora
Adoption of schools and distribution of ambulances
Livelihood programs under the CII Foundation
Organization of the Grower Conclave & Apple Mela (2015), attended by over 1,500 farmers and horticulturists
Launch of the J&K Corporate Premium League and Downtown Premier League to channel youth through sports

National and International Engagement

Imran has led and participated in multiple international and national delegations:

G-20 Young Leaders Summit (Australia, China)
CII Business Delegation to the USA (hosted at the White House)
Delegations to UK, Europe, Germany, France, Italy, Middle East, Pakistan, and China
Meetings with international figures including Abdul Sattar Edhi, Nawaz Sharif, and Parvez Musharraf, advocating peace and dialogue on the Kashmir issue

In 2016, he was part of the Chinese President's Business Delegation and attended the G-20 Summit in China. He also delivered lectures at the House of Commons, House of Lords, and the J&K Festival in London.

Awards and Recognition

Imran has received several prestigious awards for his work in business and social activism. As head of Kehwah Group, he has expanded operations across India, contributing significantly to the economic growth and employment landscape of Jammu & Kashmir.

Youth Leadership and Future Vision

Imran continues to engage directly with youth forums, working to resolve the disconnect between young citizens and political leadership. He advocates for "Change by Choice" – a philosophy of empowering people through development, inclusion, and democratic engagement. His political and social vision centers on dialogue, solution-building, and creating opportunities for the underprivileged.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1L7T2A3Gi6/ https://www.instagram.com/imrankehwah/profilecard/?igsh=MXZueHU0a3hvYWN1bA== https://x.com/imrankehwah?t=LzRc-Qh5WzIxsnNAwKCKFQ&s=09

References

1. "Deputy Mayor of Srinagar detained post Article 370 abrogation." The Hindu, Aug 2019. 2. "Kehwah Group under income-tax lens: Financial irregularities alleged." Greater Kashmir, June 2019. 3. "J&K Businessman Imran's cold storage project in loan dispute." Business Standard, Sept 2018. 4. "Srinagar’s Deputy Mayor Sheikh Imran ousts Mayor after release from detention." Indian Express, Nov 2020. 5. "JKPA launches with vision for youth-led politics in Kashmir." Kashmir Life, 2021. 6. "G20 Young Leaders Summit representation from J&K." Daily Excelsior, 2016. 7. "Imran Kehwah lecture at House of Lords lauded by diaspora." Kashmir Reader, 2016.