Srinagar: The second wave of COVID-19 has broken the back of the business community in Kashmir. If the pandemic continues to rage many traders will be left with no other option other than to wind up their businesses once for all.
A businessman while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “Every sector has suffered. From big showrooms to small shops everyone is sailing in the same boat. Transporters too have faced huge losses.”
He said, “The situation that has emerged due to COVID is terrible. No one can be blamed for the mess we are in at present. The pandemic has taken a heavy toll. This curve has to flatten for normalcy to return.”
A shopkeeper said, “We owe money to suppliers. Our savings stand exhausted and it appears that there is no light at the end of the tunnel. If the COVID-19 keeps on wreaking the havoc we may end up losing everything.”
He said, “The government needs to do something for us. Recently, a new industrial policy was implemented in Jammu and Kashmir on the same lines the government should come up with a policy for shopkeepers, traders, transporters and hoteliers. It’s unfortunate that we are being ignored.”
A transporter said, “When the first wave of COVID-19 had gripped the country the government had announced a moratorium on the repayment of loans. If the situation doesn’t change then the government needs to consider a three to six month moratorium as we are not a position to pay our EMIs. Our vehicles are stranded and no income is coming from anywhere. We are in a mess and we are hoping that the government comes for our rescue.”
An analyst said, “The business has been hit across the country. The Centre needs to step in to help the businessmen. The experts have predicted that the peak is yet to come and if the situation deteriorates businessmen will be left with no other option other than to sell their assets to clear their liabilities.”
He said, “Next two months are going to be very crucial and the government should formulate an emergency plan to tackle the situation.”
“If the situation doesn’t improve the government will have to step in to provide some relief to the people as everyone is struggling. The ongoing wave seems more deadly than the first wave. The authorities need to provide some concessions to the common people to fight the pestilence.”
COVID-19 second wave: Businessmen look towards Govt for relief
