Traders in Kashmir valley boycott goods from Jammu

Srinagar, Sept 17 : Traders in Srinagar decide to boycott goods from Jammu in retaliation to the State's winter capital shunning goods from Kashmir valley during the two-month long agitation over the Hindu shrine land row.

The boycott is supported by almost all the traders unions and the Chamber of Commerce of Kashmir as the traders felt they couldn't negate the sentiments of the locals who have nursed a grudge against the traders of Jammu.

"Because of the economic blockade caused by Jammu, the people here demanded... this is the demand of the people of Srinagar and naturally traders have to see the voice of the people. Traders felt it is justified and so it has come into force," said Dr. Mubeen Shah, President Kashmir Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday.

The traders said they would prefer goods from other states, which might take more time to reach them than allow goods from Jammu coming to Srinagar.

"They stopped our supplies, killed our drivers during the agitation and so we have decided that we will get goods from Punjab, Delhi and other states but not from Jammu. It might take eight nine days for the goods to reach Srinagar but we have decided to boycott goods from Jammu. Whatever past orders were given will be cancelled," said Farooq Ahmed, a wholesale dealer.

Srinagar that ropes in major business during the two-month long agitation lost at least 80 per cent of its exports, especially fruits, due to the agitation and shutdowns over shrine row.

The dispute began over allocation of land for setting up temporary facilities for Hindu pilgrims visiting Amarnath cave shrine in Kashmir valley and later its withdrawal snowballed into large-scale protests for about two months.

At least 38 people were killed and more than 1,000 wounded in violence during the two-month long agitation.

ANI