The anguish and old city
The frequent curbs and restrictions in old city area of Srinagar are taking a heavy toll on the entire area and its people. Not only has the local economy been hit severely but the health of its inhabitants is also witnessing a decline due to the frequent use of anti-riot weapons and measures.
The local residents complain that the frequent imposition of curfews and disallowing of congregational Friday prayers at Jamia Masjid is taking a serious toll on people of all ages and professions.
The worst-hit areas are the once-bustling with activity markets-like that of Mahraj Gunj, Nowhatta, Gojwara, Hawal, Bohri Kadal, Gada Bazar, ZainaKadal and Khanyar. These vibrant markets have over the years lost all the sheen and the trading community fears massive losses if the trend continues.
Srinagar city is located on the banks of river Jhelum which bisects the entire Srinagar city. The trade activity therefore was restricted to Srinagar city especially in old city which was bustling with activity even during the hey days of militancy. Before 1990, the old city markets would witness business worth Rs 10 crore a day. However, after the authorities started imposing strict restrictions in the area since 2008, not only has trade witnessed a decline but other sectors have also borne the brunt.
The decline in business has meant loss of employment to thousands who were dependent on the thriving business activity in the area. The frequent curbs have also resulted in loss of traditional businesses including copper, silver, papier mache, wood carving, dry fruit and carpet weaving, namdasazi and other trades due to resultant dip in sales.
The repeated curbs and restrictions in old city areas is hurting the religious sentiment of the people here. Lakhs of people in the area have an unflinching element of faith attached to the historical Jamia Masjid or the grand mosque.
Since curbs are mostly imposed on Fridays to bar congregational payers at historic Jamia Masjid, the local residents say these restrictions were hurting the religious sentiments of people across Kashmir.
The authorities are taking no chance to allow Friday congregational prayers in the grand mosque as separatist leader Mirwaiz Omar Farooq leads the prayers and the authorities take no chance to let the prayers happen during shutdowns and protests.
While the police and other officials in the administration believe that putting curbs and restrictions is the only option it also raises several questions on the rights and privileges of the citizens living in the area.
The curbs, protests and the police action has also meant that the local populace has been facing trauma both physical and mental. While school going children have been forced to stay away from their schools the elderly are witnessing health issues due to frequent use of tear smoke shells, pava gas and other anti riot weapons used by the forces to control the mobs.
Even the medicos in various city and other hospitals have vouched for the locals who have been witnessing severe health hazards owing to the forces action in the area.
Old city area of Srinagar has a place in history. The place is a heritage centre and nurtures the roots of Kashmiriyat in all its forms and manifestations. The authorities need to understand this and devise plans accordingly so that the place does not fall a victim to the turmoil.
KV News
