In Kashmir, shops open after 85 days of Covid-19 lockdown

M Aamir Khan
Tribune News Service
Srinagar, June 13

After 85 long days of COVID-19 lockdown, shops in the city centre Lal Chowk and adjoining places opened on Saturday.

However, no rush of shoppers was witnessed as the first half of the day heavy rain and thunderstorm and second half of the day the SOPs issued by government.

“Today hardware, furniture, furnishings, barbershops, etc opened as per the notification of the district administration. We welcome the government’s decision as there has been a slump in businesses….not just during the past three months, but since August last year,” Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) vice-chairman Aijaz Shahdhar told The Tribune.

He said they were taking care of the safety measures because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Today, we took care of the SOPs and we have already appealed the shopkeepers as well as the customers to follow the necessary guidelines. We hope the customers and shoppers follow the same in the future,” he said.

Shopkeepers said they were expecting a good rush of customers on Monday.

“Readymade garment, cloth, cosmetics, shoes, electronics and jewellery shops have been asked to open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. We are expecting the rush to increase on these days. We have been suffering for the past 10 months and not just after the Covid-19 lockdown,” said Ishfaq, a readymade garment showroom owner of the city centre.

Even as the government guidelines were being followed at Lal Chowk and other prime markets, shops that were supposed to reopen on Monday were seen open in the interiors.

As per the KEA estimates, Covid-19 lockdown has already dented the Valley’s economy by over Rs. 8416 cr. Earlier, the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCC&I) had pegged losses at Rs. 17, 878 cr in the first 120 days after August 5, 2019, when abrogation of Article 370 sent normal life out of gear.