Agitation-hit Jammu traders want normalcy

Jammu, Aug 23 : The traders in Jammu who have been hit by nearly two-month-long agitation over the Amarnath land row, are now keen on return of normalcy as the on-going agitation has badly affected their business.

Majid Ahmed, a trader said, "Agitation due to Amarnath land row is disturbing Jammu and Kashmir. The Shri Amarnath Sangarsh Samiti (SASS), the group that is spearheading the agitation, and the government should talk to each other and take a decision which should be in favour of both."

The ongoing agitation is not only affecting the general traders, but also targeting the business of hotels, which in turn, was affecting tourism. "We have lost Rs 500 crores since last two months due to this agitation. We are suffering. Now, it should be stopped. Earlier, around 500 tourists come here, but now 200-400 tourists come here. An amicable decision should be taken so that there should be no loss in business. At personnel level, I have suffered a loss of Rs 15-20 lakh," said Shakeel Hussain Khan, an hotelier.

According to some traders, the ongoing Amarnath land row has now become the global issue.

"Media has paid attention to this issue. The issue has now become global as even the BBC has reported this issue. It is not only confined to the state or Centre, but it has now become global. The State government is not only paying attention but also listening to the problem," said Prof Zohruddin.

Vinay Verma, an entrepreneur, said that the people who had come from outside to set up their industry were also suffering due to ongoing agitation. Immigrant labourers who come here also turned back as there is no work. The Committee should talk to government so that no body should suffer. An issue should be resolved and mutual decision should be taken, he added.

The activists are planning a complete blockade in the region on August 25 and have advised the people not to venture out on that day.

The revocation of the order allotting land to the shrine Board has sparked off a massive protest in Jammu resulting in shutdown and curfew for last few weeks.

ANI