Flood-hit traders in Indian-controlled Kashmir observe shutdown to protest government apathy

Traders in Indian-controlled Kashmir closed down their businesses and took to the streets on Tuesday to protest alleged failure of the government in rehabilitating the flood-hit businessmen.

Shops and businesses in Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian- controlled Kashmir, and other towns remained closed in wake of the call made by Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF).

Businessmen demonstrated in city center, demanding compensation and rehabilitation package for traders who suffered losses during floods in September 2014.

The shutdown and protests coincided with the opening of chief minister's secretariat in Srinagar after remaining in Jammu city ( the winter capital) for six months.

The traders tried to march toward civil secretariat to lodge their protest. Policemen resorted to baton charging and fired tear gas to disperse the agitating businessmen.

"We would fight until everyone affected by the floods is rehabilitated properly," Mohammad Yasin Khan, president KTMF said. "The government has only made false promises and done nothing to redress our grievances."

Shutdown affected business activities in the city but public transport was plying normally on roads.

The traders were also demanding exemption on tax and soft loans, which according to them would help business community recover from the losses suffered due to floods.

The last year's floods were described as "worst in a century" by the local government and as per its estimates the region suffered a loss of 16 billion U.S. dollars.

According to a non-governmental organization, 100,000 shops and business establishments were badly destroyed in the floods.

Meanwhile, India's opposition Congress party members also protested against the region's coalition government run by pro- India Peoples Democratic Party and right-wing Hindu nationalist Bhartiya Janta Party. Endi