Traders expressed 'deep shock and disappointment' on billing of relief and rescue operations
People
of Kashmir are observing a complete shutdown on Monday against what
they term as 'absolute failure' of the government in the process of rehabilitation
of flood victims.
Dozens of protesters were detained near Clock Tower in Lal Chowk as they attempted for a
protest march.
The
traders body accused the BJP-PDP run state government as well as the central
government for failing to rehabilitate the flood victims despite assurances and
instead used the victims' situation to gain political mileage.
The
former NC-Congress run government had asked the centre to assist the state with
Rs 44000 crore packages, which the central government denied stating reasons
that it was not prepared with 'groundwork'.
Soon
after the state was hit by floods, PM Narendra Modi announced Rs 1100 crore as
immediate disaster relief followed by Rs 745 Crore announced in October. The
centre further announced a relief package worth Rs 1667 crores earlier this
year in June. From the package, however, Rs 500 crores was deducted as a bill
for relief and rescue operations undertaken by Army and Air Force during the
floods.
The
traders in the state later expressed 'deep shock and disappointment' on billing
of relief and rescue operations.
The traders in the valley decided to
commemorate the first anniversary of September 2014 floods as 'carnival of
destruction' following which they called for the shutdown.
The strike call was endorsed by
other trader associations, both factions of Hurriyat, Jammu Kashmir Liberation
Front (JKLF), Kashmir Bar Association and Private School Association.
The
shops and other business establishments, schools, colleges, offices and
transport services have also remained shutting owing to strike call given by
Traders Body Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA), which has planned a protest
demonstration in Lal Chowk.
.
