Bisma Bhat
Srinagar, April 27: More than 1500 Kashmiri traders are stranded in Goa without money and food.
“We are facing immense difficulties here. We are more than 1500 people from Kashmir. Since lockdown, we have been confined to the four walls,” said Muzaffar Manzoor, who has a business in Goa.
Muzaffar said many of them are running short of money and other essentials. “We are helping each other. Essential commodities are being sold at exorbitant rates. For instance, normally 25 kilograms of rice are sold at Rs. 650 but we purchase it at Rs 950,” he said.
Another stranded Kashmiri said he has been fined for going out to buy essentials. “I had gone out to purchase milk but I was charged with Rs 1000. I repeatedly told them I had to fetch milk for my children, but they did not list,” he said.
Kashmiri traders have appealed to the J&K government to evacuate them at the earliest.
Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole said voluminous movement of people will defeat the purpose of lockdown. “All districts and states have created control rooms for extending necessary help to all stranded people,” he said.
Pole assured that they will reach out to the Kashmiri stranded in Goa and provide every possible help.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir government has established a 24X7 Helpline Center Resident Commissioner’s Office at New Delhi, to address the issues faced by the residents of union territory living in different parts of the country. Any stranded Kashmiri facing difficulties can contact on: 24611210, 24611108, and 24615475.
