Separatist-sponsored strikes and shutdowns have brought the valley to the brink of an economic disaster.
Facing a loss of Rs55 crore on every striking day, employers are forced to cut down on staff.
At a time when thousands of small-time private sector employees are being laid off, Gul Mohammad (name changed), who works at a hotel, feels fortunate that his employer has decided not to sack his staff but rather cut their pay.
“For over three months, the hotel has had zero occupancy leaving it broke. With overhead expenses mounting, our employer has decided to go in for pay cuts and save some money for the future,” 55-year-old Mohammad said. Deen Mohammad (name changed), too, did not complain when his employer handed him only 30% of his salary.
But there are others who have been asked to resume duties only after the situation stabilises. “Our employer has not asked us to quit. He has promised to take us back after day to day activities resume,” Afaq Ahmad (name changed), a private sector employee, said.
The 87 days of strikes and curfews have severely affected the tourism, traders, education and transporters. Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) blamed the unresolved Kashmir dispute for the problem.
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