Amarnath Yatra terror attack: Blow to Kashmir’s fragile economy, likely to deepen Hindu-Muslim divide

• As per CAG, debt level of Jammu & Kashmir has risen to Rs 55,358 crore at the end of 2015-16, close to five times of its tax and non-tax revenue.
• Frequent curfews, internet bans and travel restrictions have totally paralysed the economic activities
  Without much industrial activity, the Valley is heavily dependent on tourism. But the disappearance of tourists in

• the Valley is adding to the woes of the peopl

“The industrial units in industrial estate Lachipora, Khonmoh, Baghi Ali Mardan khan, Rangret, Anantag , Aischan, Chittipora, Baramulla, Bijbehara, Kupwara, HMT etc came to halt which resulted in the idle payment of wages to the skilled labour for more than 4 months and loss of production in Kashmir valley,” as per Jammu and Kashmir’s economic survey 2016.

Tourism which provides livelihood to unskilled workers (in the absence of industrial activity), guides, ponywallas, sledgewallas, travel agents; jobs in hotels/houseboats, and many more, has seen a downturn as well in the valley.

With the terror attack on Amarnath pilgrims, things may get worse for the Valley’s economy going ahead, resulting in more job losses.

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Many experts say that the incident was also a security failure, as militants could come and attack despite such a huge security blanket.

“In coming days we will go after them and get them even if they are hiding in pigeon holes. This also applies for the people who have been sheltering and sympathising with their cause,” a senior army officer based in Anantnag.

This attack is also likely to further deepen the already widening Hindu-Muslim divide .

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