SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI) has taken exception over the clampdown of fresh lockdown by the administration in Jammu and Kashmir saying that it adversely affects the business community of Kashmir.
“As the COVID positive cases continue to spike across the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, the JK administration in order to contain the contagion continues with weekend lockdowns. The fresh lockdowns, however, have again adversely impacted the livelihood of daily wagers and businesses community,” Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad, President, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI) said in a statement.
He urged the administration to keep the livelihood of the business community in mind before taking any future decision and tackle the situation in consultation with traders, industry, and business community.
“As the successive pandemic triggered lockdowns have wreaked havoc on the economy, after the receding of the second wave, the businesses had started to resuscitate. But much to the dismay of stakeholders, the lockdown came again to haunt,” Ashiq said.
“The years of lockdowns have pushed the business community to the wall and they are reeling under tremendous stress. The only stability they have been staring at is financial instability.”
The administration, according to the President, should ensure that people adhere to COVID appropriate behaviour and the protocol is followed strictly. Lockdowns cannot be the first solution or perhaps are not a solution as it does more harm than good.
The business community ensures support to the administration in implementing proper COVID protocol.
In times like these, when the financial instability is marring the community, we request the government to come out with certain packages for the business community in the prevailing circumstances, he said.
Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad, President, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industries urges Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to intervene and demanded a “financial sustenance package” for the businesses community.
