Economy suffers due to Maoists shutdown in Jharkhand

Ranchi, Aug 27 (ANI): The economy and public life has taken a beating in Ranchi due to the Maoists shutdown.

Industry experts believe that such shutdowns are financially crippling.

"I believe a day's shutdown causes losses worth 25 to 30 crore to various businesses in the state. It can even go up to 50 crores per day. There are also other practical difficulties that arise due to the shutdown. Patients are unable to reach hospitals on time, transportation suffers and students cannot reach their institutions. There is not just monetary loss, but they also deter development in the state," said Anchal Kinger, president, Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Small transport operators and shopkeepers are amongst the worst affected.

"We suffer losses of almost 25,000 rupees per day. Amongst the people affected are almost a thousand to two thousand who earn their living here. There are also two to three hundred shopkeepers who suffer," said Gaffar Khan, a bus agent.

Public life is badly affected. Even court proceedings are disrupted. People are unable to reach the courts on schedule for hearings.

"When Maoists declare a shutdown, people are unable to come to the courts, because of which some even miss their hearings, and in effect cases are delayed," said Arbind Singh, an advocate.

Maoists had called for a 48-hour shutdown in five states of Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa and Chhattisgarh beginning Monday.

The call was given to protest against the alleged arrest of two of its senior members on August 19 in Bihar. (ANI)