IIOJK economy reels under depression due to state terrorism.

ISLAMABAD -- Three years after Indian government led by Hindu Nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party snatched special status of Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir (IIOJK), the economy of the state is reeling under immense pressure and facing depression due to incessant lockdowns, curfews, internet blockades and never-ending uncertain situation.

The Narendra Modi-led government had taken many unlawful measures since abrogation of article 370 and 35-A, with special focus on changing demography and crushing economy of Kashmir to force people bow down on their demand of right to self-determination.

At the time of stripping the special status of Kashmir and splitting it into two separate union territories to be directly controlled from Center (New Delhi), the BJP had claimed the changes would result in a better development of the region and boost its economy.

However, three years after that unlawful measure, the economy of Kashmir has been literary put on deathbed. Political and economists analysts believe that the situation has only deteriorated during the past three years as the economy had to face worst negative impact of the August 5, 2019 decisions. The measures affected most of industrialists and traders besides rendering thousands of people jobless to worsen unemployment condition of the state.

Soon after August 5, 2019 decision, thousands of fresh troops were rushed to IIOJK and the whole region was put under strict lockdown, which was followed series of lockdowns in the name of Coronavirus (Covid-19) precautions. Till date the curbs continue, either in the form of lockdowns, or curfews or in the name of cordon and search operations (CASO). All these tactics of Indian state terrorism have virtually halted economic activities across the region and have been resulting in total economic chaos.

Fruit and tourism industries are pivotal to economic base of Kashmir. Indian government, with pre-planned measures hit these two sectors to crush Kashmiris economically and force them accept occupation. During the past three years the Indian occupation forces cut down many orchards to inflict economic losses.

In addition, the pre-planned lockdowns during the period of exporting horticulture produce resulted in rotting of fresh fruits and loss of billions of rupees to Kashmiris. This year too, curbs were imposed on Srinagar-Jammu highway in the pretext of facilitating Amarnath Yatra, which created difficulties in transporting fruit to markets, Money...