Piyush Goyal assures Kashmir traders to review business losses: KCCI

The businessmen from Kashmir on Sunday claimed that Union Minister Piyush Goyal in a meeting in Jammu assured them that the government would review business losses worth around Rs 15000 crore incurred since August 5.

The union minister has asked them to submit the report regarding business loses to J&K administration and send a copy of the report to central government as well. He informed the businessmen that he would soon convene a follow up meeting in Delhi regarding the business losses in Kashmir.

“I conveyed to him the pain of businessmen of Kashmir. He listened patiently and assured us that he will review the report we have prepared regarding Rs 15000 crore losses businesses in Kashmir have suffered since August 5,” president of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries Sheikh Ashiq told ET.


The KCCI president also apprised the minister regarding job cuts due to continued Internet ban imposed by the government since August 5. He said that this was the first formal effort of the central government in last four months to listen to the business community of Kashmir. The KCCI is releasing the report regarding business losses in Kashmir, with in few days.

Since the abrogation of special status of J&K and downgrading of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh on August 5, business in Kashmir remained shut due to restrictions, internet ban and protest strike. The Internet shutdown continuing for over four months had also added to the business losses.

“The minister informed us that the resumption of Internet is up to the J&K administration and said that he was aware that Internet shutdown has created massive problems in Kashmir,” said Ashiq during the meeting which continued for around 30 minutes.

The minister, according to KCCI president, was keen to understand the sufferings of businesses in Kashmir and take steps to redress losses and grievances. “He was aware about the losses caused to carpet and the larger handicraft industry in Kashmir due to Internet ban,” said Ashiq.