Srinagar: The Gupkar Alliance, a five party grouping in Kashmir sought to counter the BJP on its claim that after the repeal of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir has seen development, peace, jobs and investments.
Stating this was nothing but a “bunch of lies”, the alliance said it will challenge the BJP point by point to “disprove their development story”. The grouping released a white paper at the end of the meeting, which was led by its president Farooq Abdullah. Mehbooba Mufti and other leaders also participated.
Indian government’s claims of post revocation of Article 370 on development, peace, jobs and investments in IIOJK are nothing but a “bunch of lies” and it challenges BJP/ RSS to counter the dispassionate voices on facts.
The tall claims made by Indian government regarding real estate’s investment in IIOJK can be gauged from the fact how real estate is suffering at all-India level. The leadership of IIOJK has appealed to the people irrespective of their affiliations to understand the nature of assault imposed on J&K in the form of abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. Human development indicators (HDIs) of IIOJK pre and post Article 370 bust the myths that are being created by Indian government.
Due to the communications blockade, curfews and occupational forces threats, economy of Kashmir lost INR 178.78 billion and more than 90,000 jobs in the sectors of handicraft, tourism and information technology in the first five months alone, after abrogation of Article 370. The horticulture sector is in severe distress, tourism is in shambles and students are suffering because of the ongoing internet blockade. Hundreds of farmers were forced to either sell their produce at throwaway prices or just watch their produce rot.
Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industries has repeatedly said that no major economic activity has taken place in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. As per ORF survey 40 per cent of the businesses, including hotel and transport industries, depend on pilgrims and tourists but due to the deteriorating law and order situation and continued restrictions, people are reluctant to visit the IIOJK. Farooq Amin, General Secretary of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) said that “if Kashmir’s economy was on the ventilator before, it is now dead”. The industry body estimates the Kashmir valley to have lost business worth Rs 40,000 crore ($5.32 billion) after abrogation of Article 370 and 35A.
At this point, the narrative of economic progress falls flat in the face of the restrictive and heavily militarized zone that IIOJK continues to be. Instead of opening up the valley to industries, the oppressive Indian government’s move made it unlivable even for those rooted in IIOJK. Web Desk
