Kashmir Economy Suffered Loss Of Rs 17,878 Cr In 4 Months

SRINAGAR – The Kashmir econo­my suffered loss to the tune of Rs 17,878 crore in four months of re­strictions and shutdown in the val­ley following abrogation of Article 370 and creation of two union ter­ritories out of Jammu and Kashmir, a trade body said on Tuesday.

Releasing a comprehensive sector-wise report on losses due to disturbance after the August 5 announcement by Home Minister Amit Shah, the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) said the losses have been assessed based on Jammu and Kashmir’s gross domestic product of 2017-18.

“The study has focused on the 10 districts of Kashmir Valley compris­ing 55 per cent of the total popu­lation of Jammu and Kashmir. A time span of 120 days has been as­sumed for the calculations. As per this method, Kashmir’s economy has suffered a loss of Rs 17,878.18 crores,” the report said.

An assessment based on actual number of unit holders and per­sons engaged in each sector, job and financial losses suffered by them was undertaken, it said.

“For example, the tourism sector has been broken into its various sub-sectors like tour operators (inbound and outbound), house boats, hotels, tourist transport, shikaras, ad­venture sports and other allied sectors.