During two decades of anti-India revolt, Kashmir has lost tens of thousands of people, property worth billions of dollars and much more.
But the disputed Himalayan Valley has also lost over 1,500 working days (more than four years) to separatists’ shutdown calls in the past 20 years, dealing a crippling blow to its ailing economy.
The tourism industry of the scenic Valley, ringed by Himalayan peaks and dotted with mirror-calm lakes, shimmering streams and dense pine and conifer forests, is frequently disrupted by strikes and violent protests over the separatist cause.
But do war-weary Kashmiris have other means to raise their voice against human rights violations and resist New Delhi’s rule?
According to the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the region loses 100 million rupees for every day of shutdown.
