Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 30: Alleging that business activities and developmental works have come to halt in Kashmir, former MLA and CPI(M) leader Mohd Yusuf Tarigami said that closure of the national highway for two days a week has given a blow to the already fragile economy of Kashmir.
“Normally in April the work on development projects used to be on full swing as the Kashmir witnesses slump in construction activities during winter months due to low temperatures. However, this year situation is totally different as the work on all the important projects has come to halt as the pending bills of the contractors have not been released by the Government. The condition of roads across the Valley is pathetic as macadamization process has not begun,” he said in a statement, issued here today.
Stating that economy of Kashmir was already in doldrums because of unrest and GST, Tarigami said that the latest decision of the Government to close the national highway for two days a week has dealt another blow to the already feeble economy of Kashmir. “The ban has impacted transportation of goods and flow of tourists. Banning the transport for 48 hours in a week will lead to a huge economic loss. Shortage of essential commodities due to highway ban has led to a hike in prices which ultimately will lead to the crisis,” he added and urged the Government to rescinds this ban order as elections in the State are almost over.
Besides, Tarigami alleged, under the garb of election code of conduct, the officers in the administration have left the day-to-day problems of people unattended from the last almost two months. “Elections are important but the redressal of issues of common people can’t be ignored. Now when the elections are almost over the administration must gear up and solve the problems of common people on priority,” he said and drew attention towards non-payment of wages to daily wagers, casual workers, NREGA workers, contractual, Anganwadi workers/Helpers, ASHAs, CPWs, Mid-Day Meal workers and others.
Stressing that the Government must attend these issues on priority, Tarigami expressed concern over the plight of working class hit by the economic policies pursued by the Modi Government.
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