Businessmen blame lack of mobile, Internet services

M Aamir Khan

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, September 2

Valley-based businessmen are staring at a grim future as shops and business establishments are yet to resume normal activities for nearly a month now.

Though private vehicles are seen plying on the roads, traders say carrying on routine business was impossible in the absence of mobile and Internet services.

“In 2016, the unrest lasted for six months. The businesses suffered then too, but not like this time. We would do some business then but the lack of mobile services has completely paralysed the trade now. I had to pay a penalty of Rs 1 lakh as the detention fee at the customs in Delhi as I was unable to collect my consignment from China on time. Due to no mobile and Internet, the information of the arrival of consignment did not reach me,” said Arif Ahmad, a businessmen dealing with housing products.

He said doing business had become hard due to no mobile services. “How many people have landline connections? Most of us have discarded the same due to the faulty BSNL service. And the landlines mostly function in government offices only. I had to deliver a consignment to Baramulla (in north Kashmir) but have not been able to contact with my lorry driver due to no phone facility. It is only possible to send the consignment during wee hours and the drivers of Srinagar are unwilling to travel to Baramulla. How can businesses be done without mobile and Internet in today’s age?” he asked.

Sarwar Jan, another trader, too said the businesses had never suffered like this before.

“In the past, mobile and Internet have never remained shut for a month no matter how bad the situation was. Landlines, broadband and leased-line connections would work then but this time, there is no sign of resumption of services. We are in a state of hopelessness and gloom. A few days back, I travelled to Delhi just to get access to Internet and mobile services. Unfortunately, the people at the helm seem to be inconsiderate to the problems faced. Our economy will be destroyed if these curbs continue,” he added.

‘Our economy will be destroyed’

In the past, mobile and Internet have never remained shut for a month no matter how bad the situation was. Landlines, broadband and leased-line connections would work then, but this time there is no sign of resumption of services…. Our economy will be destroyed if these curbs continue. — Sarwar Jan, trader