Valley traders frown as lockdown returns

M Aamir Khan

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 23

The re-imposition of strict lockdown on Thursday has irked the traders’ fraternity that was looking forward to recover the losses ahead of the festive occasion of Eid on August 1.

The trade leaders said “mere closing of shops” was not going to control the coronavirus outbreak and that the administration should come up with a plan to revive the Valley’s economy hit hard by two successive lockdowns during the past one year.

“Covid-19 cannot be controlled by mere closing of shops. While tourists have been given permission to come and several other activities too are permitted, restricting only traders and shopkeepers to their homes will not curb the pandemic,” Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) president Ajaz Shahdhar told The Tribune.

“The administration should come up with a plan as to how Kashmir’s economy will revive. First, we were hit by lockdown for months when Article 370 was abrogated on August 5 last year, and this year we were hit by Covid-forced lockdown,” said Shahdhar.

He said the government should ensure implementation of coronavirus related standard operating procedures (SOPs) on ground.

“Ahead of Eid, most of the shopkeepers had bought various items from outside the state expecting recovery of some losses that we suffered over the past one year. However, as a result of the lockdown, the shopkeepers are now suffering from mental illness,” he said.

“The government should ensure strict implementation of Covid-19 related SOPs in the markets and we are willing to cooperate. Later, it will be difficult to control crowds if lockdown is eased for three days only before Eid,” Shahdhar pointed.

On Wednesday, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole had said the markets would remain open for three days from July 28 to allow Eid shopping.

Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industries, president, Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Khan regretted that the business community was not taken on board by the administration.

“Why the business community is not taken on board while delving upon such stringent measures which are affecting them directly? Why is the outside workforce allowed to enter the valley? Why are locals being blamed for the spread of virus when the fault lies with the inefficient administration, which has allowed the import of work force without proper screening?” asked Khan.

Meanwhile, Pole has instructed the District Commissioners to open markets in a phased manner with different timings to avoid gatherings during three days of Eid shopping this month-end.