Shutdown crippled biz in Kashmir: Artisans

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, February 25

The Kashmiri artisans at the ongoing crafts mela rued loss of business due to the abrogation of Article 370 . However, they rejoiced being part of the craft mela, here.

In the wake of the deadlock in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) — after the Centre announced the abrogation of Article 370 — Kashmiri artisans and stall owners at the ongoing crafts mela said, “We have suffered huge losses. The suspension of Internet services was the main factor for the losses.”

Farhan Ahmad, a stall owner at the mela, said his business of dry fruits and Kahwa was severely hit owing to the lockdown in the valley. He said, “We used to have maximum sales At Diwali, however, last year, there were no buyers as markets were shut and communication was seized for months.”

The 31-year-old Ahmad said that he could not attend Saras Mela in Rupnagar in Punjab, last year as he, along with entire state of J&K, was completely cut off from rest of the world. “It (abrogation of article 370) would now allow people to come to do business in Jammu and Kashmir which would also affect small businessmen further, said Ahmad.

An Artisan, who was selling Kashmiri Shawl at the mela said that he suffered business, worth lakhs, over the the last few months, however, things would get better in the future, he hoped.

Abid, a stall owner from Kashmir, said, people in Punjab, especially, the Sikh community has always helped people of J&K.