Mangalore communal violence hits economy hard

Mangalore, Oct 11: Communal clashes, bandh, prohibitory orders and curfew for almost a week in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka not only crippled normal life, but also dealt a huge blow to the economic activities of the region.

Even the preliminary estimation of loss to the district could not be calculated at this juncture as all commercial and other sectors of economic activities had to be taken into account, Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President John Prasad Menezes said.

However, reports said the district had incurred a loss of over Rs 2,000 crore.

He told UNI that almost all sectors, including railways, port and airlines, have been badly affected by the bandh and curfew. Over 10,000 small, medium and large industries have been virtually closed for almost a week and have started resuming work only since yesterday. With railway and port activities coming to a standstill during the period, traders have to pay damages for the parcels and containers which could not be lifted. Export/import activities and domestic activities have been totally crippled, incurring huge revenue losses running into several crores of Rupees.

Mr Menezes said four to five lakh workers and employees were working in the district, besides daily wagers to whom the bandh and curfew had come as a big blow. The industrial and trading sectors were the worst affected without production or trading activities during the last five days. Besides, perishable items had to taken into account.

However, the situation had started improving since yesterday with curfew being relaxed during day time and commodities beginning to arrive into the district. ''But, we have to still watch the situation as night curfew is still in force and all trading activities have to be completed before 1900 hrs till night curfew is in force,'' he said.

Meanwhile, sources at Bajpe airport said airline activities have been affected mainly on the recently commenced tri-weekly international flight service between Mangalore and Dubai. According to Air India Express sources, the carrier could get only about 150 passengers on both incoming and outbound trips, despite filling all the 180 seats in its first two trips. The airlines expected to operate to its full capacity soon with the festival season ahead.

UNI

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