From Lalit Mahajan
 
Jammu, Aug 16 (KNN)  Owing to the spark of violence that erupted in the Kishtwar town of Jammu Division on August-9, the trade and industry has suffered an  estimated loss of approximately Rs 180 crore besides production loss.
 
The violence began with clashes between two communities during the morning hours in Kishtwar Town.    
 
Thereafter, owing to bandh and curfew in all 10 districts of Jammu Division, the trading community is estimated to have suffered a loss of  Rs 80 crore in Kishtwar Town while a loss of about Rs 50 to 100 crore has been estimated for trade and  industry in other parts of the Jammu Division including  Jammu.
 
With disruption of production activities, shortage of raw materials and delay in dispatch of finished goods due to imposition of curfew, the industrial sector remained the most affected. 
 
According to reports curfew is being periodically relaxed in the entire Jammu Division from yesterday except for the town of Kishtwar.   
 
Significantly, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah has announced a relief of Rs two lakh per person to rehabilitate the affected traders of Kishtwar. 
 
He also announced that he would constitute a committee to assess the actual loss suffered by the trade and industry so they could provide financial assistance to the actual sufferers.
 
During the meeting, President of Bari Brahmana Industries Association, Annil Suri requested for interest free long term loans to needy persons to enable them to restart their business activities.   The Chief Minister agreed to look into the request.  (KNN/LM/ES)