INP
\nSRINAGAR
\nIn occupied Kashmir, as the military clampdown continues, the multi-crore apple trade has reached an all time low, hitting at the economic spine of the territory.
\nAccording to Kashmir Media Service, ripe apples are rotting in the orchards due to continued lockdown which was imposed by Narendra Modi-led Indian government on August 5 when it repealed special status of occupied Kashmir.
\nThe market in the North Kashmir\u2019s Sopore town \u2013 usually packed with people, trucks and produce at this time of year \u2013 is empty.
\nIn one of the world\u2019s largest apple growing regions, weeks-long lockdown has cut transport links with buyers in rest of the world, fruit growers and traders, plunging the industry into havoc.
\nAt dawn late last week the market in Sopore, a town known locally as \u201cLittle London\u201d for its lush orchards, big houses and relative affluence, was deserted, its gates locked.
\n\u201cEveryone is scared,\u201d a lone trader, rushing to an adjoining mosque for morning prayers, told media. \u201cNo one will come.\u201d
\nFarmers and fruit traders say the clampdown is stopping them from either getting their produce to market or shipping it out to the rest of world.
\nBusiness people who speak to media say it is not just the fruit industry that is reeling \u2013 two other key sectors of Kashmir\u2019s economy, tourism and handicrafts, have also been hit hard.
\nShameem Ahmed, a travel agent who owns a houseboat in Srinagar, said this year\u2019s tourist season was completely wiped out. \u201cAugust was peak season, and we had bookings up to October,\u201d he said. \u201cIt will take a long time to revive, and we don\u2019t know what will happen next,\u201d he added.
\nAt a major chamber of commerce in Srinagar, some members said the continuing suspension of internet and mobile services have paralyzed their work, including the ability to file taxes and make bank transactions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
INP SRINAGAR In occupied Kashmir, as the military clampdown continues, the multi-crore apple trade has reached an all time low, hitting at the economic spine of the territory. According to Kashmir Media Service, ripe apples are rotting in the orchards due to continued lockdown which was imposed by Narendra Modi-led Indian government on August 5 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-83782","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-business"],"yoast_head":"\n