Srinagar, Mar 18 (KNS) ; The festive buzz that traditionally sweeps Kashmir's markets in the days before Eid-ul-Fitr is missing this year, with traders across the Valley describing one of the slowest pre-Eid seasons in living memory.
CCIK said that the effects of the Pahalgam attack, a bad apple season, rising prices, and global oil problems have all made families spend much less money.
"We have never seen such dullness before Eid. Usually, by this time, markets remain crowded till late evening, but now there are barely any customers," said ccik president Tariq Ghani "Sales are at an all-time low, and it is becoming difficult to even cover daily expenses."
CCIK said that while Eid shopping traditionally centred on clothes, footwear and bakery items, this year people were buying only essentials. Ghani said the decline has been building since autumn, with hopes of a pre-Eid recovery now fading.
Ghani said "People suffered losses due to low tourism after the Pahalgam attack last year and low apple demand due to highway closures. They are just buying essential commodities,"
"Last year's tourism was not as good as expected, and that has directly affected our "People associated with tourism – cab drivers, hotel workers and guides – have less money this year, which means less spending in markets."
The horticulture sector also faced challenges. Apple growers said they faced a "punishing" season, CCIK added that low demand and poor returns left an entire segment of Kashmir's economy with less to spend.
Inflation has emerged as another major concern. "Poor people are bearing the brunt of inflation," "They are focusing only on essential items and cutting down on everything else, including Eid shopping."
CCIK have urged authorities to improve tourist inflow, ensure better returns for horticulture produce and control inflation to restore market confidence. Traders remain hopeful that last-minute shopping may bring some relief, but the prevailing mood suggests this Eid may pass without the economic cheer Kashmir's markets are known for.
CCIK also requested traders to sell essential goods on nominal rates so that common people dont suffer. (KNS)