Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Sep 9: The prolonged closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has left Kashmir’s markets struggling, with traders reporting massive losses and shortages of essential commodities.
They say, from “a sewing needle to a helicopter,” almost everything in Kashmir comes from outside. With the highway closed for over 15 days now, not just farmers but traders too are reeling under the impact, as supplies dry up and markets face an unprecedented crisis.
Yaseen Khan, President of Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) said that business has “totally collapsed” due to the shutdown. “Essential supplies are running short, some shops have closed, and though exact estimates can’t be made, heavy losses are visible,” he said.
He added that almost every sector is affected as Kashmir depends on outside supplies, ranging from rice and oil to petroleum products and electronics.
Tariq Ghani, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kashmir (CCIK), said the losses run into crores. “Not just one trader, but everyone is hit badly as stocks have exhausted. Shortage is rising because of non-availability of products,” he said.
He also questioned why essential goods are not being brought in by train. “If train services have stated, why can’t supplies arrive through rail as well? Rates of essentials are already skyrocketing,” he said.
Mohammad Saleem, Vice President of the Lal Chowk Traders Association, said many shopkeepers are facing acute shortages, while those with leftover stock are resorting to price hikes.
He added that the recent GST hike has further compounded their losses, leaving traders under immense strain.
Meanwhile, traffic authorities said the Mughal Road and Sinthan road are open as per advisory, but NH-44 continues to remain closed.
The Doda-Kishtwar road (NH-244) is also shut due to a landslide at Rankha Shed near Nasib Nagar, while the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) road is blocked at Zojila. Restoration work is underway, and officials have urged people not to travel until the highways are fully restored.
