Losses rise, Valley traders want restrictions eased

QUOTE: “Even liquor shops have opened outside but in Kashmir, you will find that the authorities are disallowing even grocery and vegetable sellers at some places. There has to be a plan so that the business activities pick up at the ground level. We cannot afford to remain in the lockdown forever,” Imtiaz Dar, grocery seller

M Aamir Khan

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, May 26

As Valley continues to be under strict restrictions amid the lockdown, traders want to resume businesses. Traders in Kashmir have been grappling with losses since August 5 last year when the Centre decided to abrogate Article 370.

“Business activities have started picking up in New Delhi and other places. The government here should take a cue and announce some relaxations. We have been struggling since August last year. Life will become more difficult for us if strict restrictions continue,” said Kashmir Economic Alliance vice-chairman Aijaz Shahdhar.

As per the Kashmir Trade Alliance estimates, the two-month-long lockdown has already dented the Valley’s economy by Rs 8,416 crore. Earlier, the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries had pegged the losses at Rs 17,878 crore in the first 120 days after August 5 last year. It had also said around 4.96 lakh jobs were lost during the period.

General secretary of the Magarmal Bagh Traders Federation Abdul Rauf said small-scale shopkeepers were the worst hit.

“We have little hope from the government as packages announced have always turned out to be a jugglery of words. While wholesalers dealing with eatables are doing some business, other sectors are at a dead-end. Shopkeepers are going through tough times. We are not asking for any package but only some relaxation in the lockdown so that we start earning,” he said.

Grocery seller Imtiaz Dar regretted that there was no plan.