Can’t afford another lockdown, but saving lives more important: Traders
Srinagar: Maintaining that the economy in Jammu and Kashmir has suffered a significant loss, traders from both the divisions Wednesday said that though they can’t afford another lockdown but given the COVID-19 situation human life is more important as compared to business.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered the closure of 50 percent market strength due to the steep rise in COVID-19 cases as a measure to contain the further spread.
Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) president Arun Gupta said that “We are very weak economically but what matters is the safeguard of human life during the pandemic.”
“We have seen subsequent lockdown back in 2019 and 2020 and the situation has come back to the same,” Gupta said.
Cautioning that the situation is grim, the JCCI President said that “We can’t afford a lockdown but due to this virus surge we will have to go for it for the safety of people.”
President Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Sheikh Ashiq said that the lockdowns have impacted the economy at large but at this time safety is more important.
He maintained that the government has to look at all the traders since the bank will demand monthly interest as the economy has already taken a back seat over the past two years.
Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF), President Yaseen Khan said it is tough for traders to afford another lockdown since the community has suffered a lot in last year’s lockdown but given the intensity of this deadly virus saving lives is more important.
“There is no other solution to this pandemic other than lockdown to contain the spread,” he said.
He said that as compared to the past year’s it seems that the people are out of money and that is why the business community is already facing huge losses. (KNO)
KV News
