Lockdown reimposition in Valley unnerves traders

Hit hard due to frequent breaks in business activities, traders demand rollback of order

M Amir Khan

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 14

Sudden reimposition of the lockdown in Valley parts has unnerved the debt-ridden traders ahead of Eid-ul-Adha that is being celebrated at the end of the month.

Hit hard due to frequent breaks in business activities for the past one year, the traders are demanding rollback of the order while urging the government to focus on implementation of Covid-related standard operating procedures (SOPs) on the ground.

“An increase in Covid cases is a cause of worry, but it is necessary to have relaxations for smooth running of the business activities. We were first hit by the lockdown after abrogation of Article 370 on August 5 last year and then by the Covid pandemic lockdown. And now, just after a few weeks of partial reopening of markets, the lockdown is back. Last Eid, we could not do any business and yet again we are back to square one. How will small-time traders survive?” Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) chairman Aijaz Shahdhar said.

He also questioned the government’s decision to reopen parks and gardens at a time when people are questioning another order of allowing tourists from July 14 despite the lockdown announcement for the local traders. Restrictions were first announced for Baramulla and Kupwara districts on Saturday. From Monday, the restrictions were announced for 88 zones of Srinagar district.

As per the KTA, the first two months of the Covid lockdown had dented the Valley’s economy by Rs.8416.2 cr. Earlier, the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCC&I) had pegged losses at Rs. 17, 878 crore in the first 120 days after August 5, 2019, when the abrogation of Article 370 sent normal life out of gear.

Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) faction headed by Bashir A Rather said the government should have consulted all traders’ bodies before ordering the restrictions.

“The sudden lockdown has unnerved the traders. We are getting calls from shopkeepers and traders as to why the lockdown was re-imposed. We had no knowledge (about the imposition of the lockdown). We were not called (by the government)…..one trader leader had gone there and given an undertaking….the government should look at the pros and cons. They should have first thought about us. We have bank loans….people who are hand to mouth will die at home. If the gardens and visitors are allowed to open….how will tourists do shopping or eat if the markets are shut? We request the government to, at least, give relaxation till Eid,” said Rather.

He said they were willing to cooperate with the government towards ensuring the implementation of Covid-related SOPs in the markets.