New lockdowns would collapse economy in Kashmir
Shahana Butt
Press TV, Kashmir
The second wave of the coronavirus pandemic is wreaking havoc in the Indian-Administered Kashmir, both in terms of healthcare and economy.
The Indian-administered Kashmir has seen a surge in coronavirus cases in time with the rest of the country. The pandemic was almost brought under control in February in the Indian-controlled Kashmir. But within weeks, the numbers have swollen again to around 18,000 positive cases a day. Health care experts equally blame Kashmir’s administration and locals for the spike.
Despite the risks, the administration in Kashmir allowed and organized spring festivals. They were attended by thousands without following precautions, leading to a re-surge in coronavirus cases. And to worsen things, tourists’ inflow to Kashmir went unchecked.
Kashmir has hardly witnessed normalcy since August 2019, when India unilaterally stripped the region of its autonomous status. Now amid the second wave of the pandemic, fresh tensions are expected as new lockdowns would collapse the regional economy.
Kashmir’s economy is dependent on tourism and agriculture. This year the region witnessed year-long bookings in advance. However the new wave of the pandemic in India has triggered panic and cancelations.
With more than 18,000 active coronavirus cases in Jammu and Kashmir the administration of this conflict torn region is at a crossroads. The question is whether to impose a lockdown and face its economic consequences or endanger people’s and overload the fractured health sector. To break the chain of infections, Kashmir’s administration is now trying its best; however people also have to act responsibly.
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