Kashmir turmoil hits business, leave many jobless

The prevailing unrest in Kashmir has adversely affected tourism sector, tour operators, and shopkeepers and above all, has left many jobless, in the valley. The traders lament the steep decline in the tourism that has also led to the unemployment-like situation in the state. President of Federation Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK), Shakeel Qalandar said that the loss incurred is around one billion rupees per day. Thousands of foreign tourists used to visit the hill states in the rainy months of July and August but this year, the scenario has been dull due to the turmoil. Lal Chowk, the business centre of Srinagar has been deserted for weeks.