Srinagar, Dec 4: Kashmir-based trade bodies and business organizations Tuesday ‘castigated’ state government for continuously imposing curfews in old City, the Shaher-e-Khaas.
 Terming the curbs imposed on movement of people as “violation of human rights and infringement of individual freedom,” the trade bodies unanimously urged the state government to lift the siege.
 Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Abdul Hamid Punjabi said: “People living in old City are suffering due to the ongoing situation, while state government instead of mitigating their problems is rubbing salt to their wounds.”
 “If at all if there is any tension then government should put extra security measures. But imposing curfew where nobody is allowed to even venture outside their residence is total injustice,” he said. 
 Kashmir Economic Alliance, Chairman Muhammad Yasin Khan said: “It is highly condemnable that our brothers and sisters living in old City are not being allowed to venture outside houses even to purchase essential commodities.”
 Khan said that traders and other business fraternity of the old City are incurring heavy losses due to the frequent curfews. “The curfew has not only crippled the lives of old City people but uptown as well,” he said. 
 “Majority of the shopkeepers in the old City live in uptown and they could not open their shops, which means they suffer losses,” Khan said adding “During last six days traders have incurred losses  worth crores.”
 Echoing similar views, Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Association President Muhammad Sadiq Baqal said the government should allow old City traders to perform their day-to-day business.
 “Business in old City has suffered a major setback because of the government imposed curfews.  Many of the traders have to pay back bank loans  but are  now finding it difficult due to restrictions. and financial losses,” Baqal said.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 4 Dec 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 4 Dec 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 5 Dec 2012 00:00:00 IST