Curfew, communication blockade continued in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IoK) on 85th day, on Monday, as normal life crippled due to the unrelenting military lockdown.
According to the KMS, restrictions under section 144 remain enforced. Internet across all platforms and prepaid cellular services continue to remain shut. However, landline connections are functioning and voice calls on postpaid mobile phones are allowed.
the abrogation of Article 370, has also crippled the valley’s economy as the business community has suffered losses amounting to over Rs 10,000 crore in three months, a trade body said here.
Sheikh Ashiq, president of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), said while it was difficult to assess the nature of losses as the situation was not normal yet, the business community has received a serious jolt from which it was very difficult to recover.
“The running business losses for Kashmir region have crossed Rs 10,000 crore and all sectors have been severely hit. It has been nearly three months now and yet the people are not doing business because of the prevailing situation. There has been some activity in the recent weeks, but the feedback that we are getting is that the business is dull,” as told by Ashiq .
He identified the suspension of internet services as the main factor for the losses.
“We had about Rs 2,000 crore worth of development projects which have been pushed back because the workforce has left the valley. Now, we have to assure them, like tourists, and it will take time,” he added.
Ashiq said it is the responsibility of the government to come out with various measures like certain packages for the business community in the prevailing circumstances.
An informal but widespread civil disobedience movement continues to remain in effect across the Kashmir Valley. The move is aimed at protesting against Indian occupation and its Aug 5 unilateral action.
As part of this movement, shopkeepers keep their shops shut for most part of the day, students stay away from educational institutions, govt and private sector workers prefer to remain at homes and public transport is hardly seen on the roads.
