Srinagar: A complete shutdown was observed Wednesday in Srinagar and other major towns of the Valley by the business community in response to the call given by Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) to protest the failure of government to rehabilitate the flood affected business class.
Witnesses told GNS that the City Centre, Lal Chowk presented a deserted look in wake of the shutdown called by KTMF and supported by various bodies. All shops and business establishments remained closed in the commercial hub here and elsewhere of this capital city to protest the governments alleged indifference to rehabilitate the business community hit by devastative September floods.
Six months have passed since the floods hit the Valley but no steps have been taken by the government to provide any relief to the affected traders, KTMF, General Secretary, Bashir Ahmad Dar said.
He said that it was for the first time in the history of Kashmir that city center suffered extensive losses due to the deluge. He said that government has left no option before the traders other than to protest peacefully unless their genuine demand of compensation is fulfilled.
Another trader said that over twenty thousand shops were completely damaged due the flood fury in and around Lal Chowk. He said the traders will not overcome to losses even if Rs 10 lakh are sanctioned to them by the government.
Meanwhile, reports of shutdown were also received from other districts of the Valley, where all commercial establishments remained closed in wake of the KTMF call. (GNS)