Traders, however, put the onus on government. Shakeel Qalandar opines that government has failed to devise any definite trade policy. “There has to be equal productivity in all districts. If only two districts are promoted at the cost of rest of the state, it is sure to cause imbalance of opportunities which needs to be checked,” he says.
Others feel that turning Kashmir into a special economic zone will alter the situation. “No doubt Jammuites are ruling the roost but then there are alternatives available which can turn Kashmir into a business hub,” says Dr Shah. “If governments of India and Pakistan agree to form Kashmir into a Free Economic Zone with facility of Financial Centres, whole scenario will change.”
