Three regions of the State are economically and financially closely linked with one another. In a sense their economies are inter-linked. Any untoward happening in one region adversely affects the economy of other regions as well. Particularly Jammu has a major role in the overall economic activity of the State because all trade to Kashmir and Ladakh regions is carried through Jammu. There has always been good understanding among the traders in all the three regions and they have been very cooperative. However, over one month long continued strike in Kashmir has paralyzed business not only in Kashmir but also in Jammu region. According to the functionaries of Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Jammu region has suffered a loss of about 1000 crore rupees during the days of strike. This include nearly 400 crore rupees loss to the Jammu industries which were supplying building material like iron, cement and other things to the Kashmir traders. The disturbance has been harsh to the transporters also because plying of trucks, sumos, taxis and buses along the National Highway has come to a stand still. Some of the transporters have faced damage of their trucks and vehicles in the course of clashes in the valley and when the mobs attacked everything that met their eye. There is justification in the demand of Jammu business and trading community and also industrial community that their losses should be compensated by the Government because they had to suffer the losses for no fault of theirs. The hoteliers who would supply eatables to the yatris have suffered worst because the yatra has declined considerably. There are no two opinions that the traders in Kashmir have suffered much more than what those in Jammu have suffered.
The unrest has damaged State economy terribly. It, therefore, becomes a priority with the Government to bring this matter under consideration and provide relief to the trading community that has been under great strain and loss. As we implore the Government to come to the rescue of the traders, we also appeal to the saner elements in Kashmir to bring an end to present crisis. The call for strikes should be ended and people should be allowed to go about their normal course of life. In particular the poor sections of the people, the wage earners and school going children are put to enormous loss. The strike should be called off immediately.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel