Srinagar traders lament loss due to curfew in valley
3 Sep 2008, 1932 Hrs

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Srinagar, Sept 3 (ANI): Curfew following protests and shutdowns due to shrine land row over the past two months in Srinagar has caused a major setback to the economy of the region.

Though the curfew was relaxed at intervals in a phased manner, it was not enough for traders and businessmen to carry out their business.

The economy that was coming on track after 19-year turmoil is again in doldrums due to the land row.

The worst hit sectors are tourism, fruit, hosiery, carpets, handicrafts and dry fruits.

The region which ropes in major business during the season lost at least 80 per cent of its exports, especially fruits, due to the agitation and shutdowns over shrine row.

"Rupees 15 billion is the amount lost everyday and if we calculate for the period of entire two months, then we have faced a loss of rupees 90 billion," said Shaqeel Qalandar, President, Federation of Chamber of Industries.

The row over the land allocated for setting up temporary facilities for Hindu pilgrims visiting Amarnath cave shrine in Kashmir valley and later its withdrawal had snowballed into large-scale protests for about two months. (ANI)