In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI) has said the fresh lockdowns have again adversely impacted the livelihood of daily wagers and businesses community.
The KCCI President, Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad, in a statement issued in Srinagar urged the authorities to keep the livelihood of the business community in mind before taking any future decision and tackle the situation in consultation with business commu-nity.
“As the successive pandemic triggered lock-downs 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,” he deplored.
He 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, he added.
Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad urged the authorities to ensure that people adhere to COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and the protocol is followed strictly. Lockdown cannot be the first solution or perhaps is not a solution as it does more harm than good, he maintained.
He also appealed to the authorities to come out with certain packages for the business community in the prevailing circumstances.—KMS