Srinagar, Nov 22 (KNS): A six-member delegation led by former Union Finance Minister and Yashwant Sinha Friday arrived in Srinagar to have the firsthand assessment of the situation prevailing in the Valley.

This is the first visit of the group, which besides Sinha, comprises of Wajahat Habibullah, Kapil Kak, Bharat Bhushan and Shoba Bharve, after the Center abrogated special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and bifurcated the erstwhile state into two union territories on August 5.

After their arrival, Sinha led delegation had a 30-minute meeting with the representatives of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in Srinagar. Sources told KNS during the meeting the representatives of the KCCI led by its vice president A M Mir, briefed them about the problems faced by the business community due to the restrictions and snapping of internet services in the Valley.

“We told them about the economic crisis which has engulfed Kashmir valley after August 5. We informed them that traders suffered huge losses and all sectors have been badly hit and Kashmir’s economy was in doldrums. We told them we don’t know how long this problem will continue in Kashmir,” Mir told KNS after the meeting.

During the meeting, the KCCI representatives informed the visiting delegation about the impact of shutdown, restrictions and communication blockade on Kashmir’s economy, sources told KNS.

During their stay in Kashmir, the visiting delegation is scheduled to meet civil society and other people affected by the prevailing situation. They are also scheduled to address a press conference in Srinagar on Sunday.

Earlier in August the group had tried to visit Kashmir, but was sent back from Srinagar Airport by the authorities. A senior official in administration told KNS that they have instructions this time to allow the delegation to visit Kashmir. (KNS)