Trade shutdown at Attari affecting livelihoods, activists write to PM

Local activists and community leaders from the city have submitted a formal request to Prime Minister Modi, urging the Central Government to provide assured and continuous financial assistance to thousands of individuals impacted by the closure of trade at the Attari-Wagah border.

The demand comes in the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, which have led to a complete halt in cross-border trade. While acknowledging and supporting the government’s decision taken in the interest of national security, the activists emphasised that the resulting economic burden should not fall solely on the people of Amritsar district.

In a signed letter addressed to the Prime Minister, representatives of the Amritsar Vikas Manch (AVM), including Principal Kulwant Singh Ankhi (patron), Surinderjit Singh (president), Yogesh Kamra (general secretary), Rajwinder Singh Gill (senior vice-president) and Kawaljit Singh Bhatia (press secretary) highlighted the plight of thousands of porters, transporters, truck drivers, dhaba owners, helpers and labourers whose livelihoods have been badly due to the border shutdown.

“People involved in the transport business are unable to repay loans or afford basic necessities. Many families are struggling to send their children to school, and there is rising concern about the youth becoming vulnerable to drug addiction or taking to crime,” the letter reads.

The activists have demanded that direct monthly financial aid be transferred to the affected individuals’ bank accounts until normalcy is restored and trade through the Attari-Wagah route resumes. They also estimated a staggering Rs 12,000 crore in losses suffered by traders and businessmen in the region and called for a special financial package to help retain their businesses.

The memorandum concludes with an appeal to the Prime Minister to address what is rapidly turning into a major humanitarian and economic crisis in the border city.