Post Amarnath rift widens between J-K traders

Jammu: The Amarnath land row may be over but Jammu and Kashmir still stands polarized. Traders from Kashmir have boycotted their counterparts in Jammu. Economic ties between the two regions stand threatened.

Truckloads of medicines and oil have been returned from Kashmir and the Kashmir traders have even issued a circular to block all trade with Jammu.

"I'll like to clarifty that the KCCI is boycotting goods from Jammu, both manufactured and distributed since there is a demand from the public that Jammu goods shouldn’t be brought," says Chairman, Chamber of Commerce, Kashmir, Mubin Shah.

Setting aside the claims of the trade bodies that they represent the sentiment on the streets to boycott Jammu, it makes sound economic sense for them to boycott.

Purchasing directly from the source will mean more profits for traders in Kashmir.

Even the pharmacy associations of both regions have taken a tough stance with Kashmir pharmacists refusing to deal with Jammu distributors

This standoff can have serious consequences. Jammu has most of the forwarding depots in the state.These depots also send in main supplies to the Valley. Also the goods from both regions have essential markets across the divide.

Kashmir's dry fruit and handicrafts are bought in large quantities by pilgrim tourists in Jammu

Between both regions, a trade of Rs 11, 000 cores is done annually and despite differences it is the economic tie which holds them together.

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