Shutdown affects business in Kashmir

Srinagar, June 4 (ANI): Separatists continued a protest strike in Kashmir on Thursday over the death of two women, by alleging that they have been killed by security forces. The strike, which entered the fourth day, has now started taking a toll on the valley's business.

Various sectors like tourism, transport and other businesses have been incurring losses due to the stalled activity in the region.

Residents associated with the travel and tourism industry, who wait the entire year for the months of May-June to make money from tourism, are forced to sit idle as there is no business due to the shutdown.

After facing a similar situation last year, when the region was rocked by some massive protests and violence, the residents were hoping to make up for their losses this tourist season, but have been disappointed.

"We are facing lot of problems. We wait the entire year for the months of May-June, which is the season when we can earn. We have taken loans from the banks for our cars.

Last year also, we had to face similar problems. We hoped that we would be able to work this season, but June has come and we are sitting idle," said Manzoor Ahmed, a taxi owner.

On Wednesday, the protestors burnt effigies of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who has ordered a judicial inquiry into the deaths of two women in Shopian. A police statement said the post-mortem revealed no marks of violence. (ANI)