Except the govt employess, everyone else is suffering in the Valley: Kashmir Traders

Srinagar, Aug 12 (KNN) The normal life in Kashmir is affected for the 35th consecutive day today with the curfew imposed in districts including Kupwara, Handwara, Langate, Trehgam, Lalpora, Kralpora and adjacent areas in north Kashmir's Kupwara district. The traders and small entrepreneurs whose livelihood depends on day-to-day business are crying because of the tension and curfew which has thrown them out of the business for more than a month now.

Talking to KNN, the President of Kashmir Traders Association, Bashir Ahmed said major losses are being faced by the trader community only. Accept government employees, everybody is in big loss here.

He said, “We have faced huge losses and we can’t even estimate it. Trade is completely down due to curfew for the last 35 days.”

“Until and unless we don’t  open our shops, it is difficult to assume loss figure,” he said.

He, however, said that traders have not urged the authorities to remove the curfew.

“We are traders and can solve the problems if they are trade related. All these things are related to the government,” he informed

President complained that authorities’ call of the curfew for two hours but people cannot do business for two hours only.

“They should hold talks to resolve the issues in Kashmir,” he stressed.

“Stored goods are getting spoiled. Accept government employees, everybody like bakers, fruit sellers, vegetable sellers are in loss in Kashmir,” said Ahmed.

Due to unrest in Kashmir, the trade between Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh has been affected. Internet services in the state and telephone lines in Kashmir have been snapped and trucks are not being allowed to move towards the Kashmir Valley, he added.

"Since 9th July, their so-called leaders have maintained on prolonging protest. Even the areas even where there is no curfew, out of fear, the shops remain closed. I want to laud the state government for functioning effectively despite all the hurdles thrown on their way. I'm not saying that the situation is completely under control, but the state government is ensuring the daily lives of the people continue unhindered," Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said in his statement in the Rajya Sabha. (KNN Bureau)