Episode 4 | Losses to Kashmir's economy due to the lockdown cross 5000 crores

Episode 4

70th day of communication blockade since August 5

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industries has estimated that the losses caused to the economy due to the lockdown, entering the 70th day today, has crossed Rs 5,000 crores. 

The worst affected sector is tourism, as the curfew and communication blockade, starting from August 5th arrived right in the middle of peak season. Another section of people hit by the blockade are apple farmers, who are unable to harvest or sell their produce. Apples contribute close to 15% to Kashmir's economy. 

Other than tourism and apple trade, transport and small businesses figure among sectors which are majorly affected. Kashmir is also a region which houses a lot of people who work in the informal sector. People who are dependant on all these affected sectors. 

In this episode, we will speak to Kashmiri journalists Javid Ahmad and Mansoor Peer, to understand the repercussions of the lockdown on the economy and workforce.

This podcast contains recorded snippets of a phone conversation over a landline - the only form of communication available in Kashmir to the outside world.