 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 22: Notwithstanding the losses they are incurring in their respective trades due to initial restrictions and withdrawal of mobile internet services after the abrogation of Article 370 two weeks ago, most of the businessmen in Jammu city are still in celebratory mode though there are few who did not hide their disappointment over the slump in market.
"The decision to scrap Article 370 is going to change our fate. The misrule of Kashmir-centric political set-up that discriminated against us on all fronts for the past seven decades has ended with this masterstroke," said Attar Singh Mankotia, a trader of building material in Marble Market, Trikuta Nagar. "Though the market is experiencing some slowdown due to the disturbance in Jammu and Kashmir regions but we are ready to pay any price for the sake of our beloved nation as the days ahead are bright and shiny for Jammuites," Mankotia added. Termed the decision as historic, Mehar Singh, who owns stationery shop in Main Market Trikuta Nagar, said, "PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah have created history. The historic decision is in the interest of the nation. Modi understood the pain of the people of the state. We are thankful to him," he said adding that the business he deals in has no influence whatsoever barring few first days when restrictions were imposed.
"As far as ban on mobile internet facility is concerned it also did not affected us much as the stationery business generally runs on cash transactions," Singh said.
Dileep Katyal, who runs a General Store in Trikuta Nagar, said that there is no impact on his business adding that he is ready to face any loss if it arises out of a wise decision which would definitely benefit the nation in the long run.
However, there were few, with whom the team of Early Times interacted, said that they are facing a tough time due to the prevailing situation in the state.
Mandeep Singh, a Marble Trader in Marble Market Trikuta Nagar said, "The situation in Kashmir as well as the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri is not normal due to which we are facing huge losses." "The consumption of 40 percent of our material is in Kashmir while it amounts to about 20 percent in Poonch-Rajouri but due to the disturbed situation there we are unable to send any consignment to these areas," he added.
While Amardeep Singh, a Glass merchant, said, "Most of my employees are sitting idle as there is very little activity related to our trade. The interest on CC limits of banks is piling up with each passing day as we are unable to pay the installments while receipt of pending payments has stopped. The credit or debit cards could not be swiped due to the snapping of mobile internet facility." "However, still it is hoped that the decision of scrapping Article 370 would give benefits to the business in the future but presently it is in a bad shape," he added. |
