Valley suffers from a humanitarian crisis

Extended shutdowns by separatists and curfews by security forces have caused a humanitarian crisis in the Kashmir Valley. The situation is grim if not alarming, in urban areas like the towns of Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama and Kulgam.

There seems no end to the unrest triggered by the killing of Burhan Muzaffar Wani, a top commander of Hizbul Mujahideen, more than three weeks ago. The chief minister’s remark that Wani could have been given “a second chance” has not gone down well with the security forces. Her critics in the Congress and the National Conference have publicly ridiculed it. On the other hand, the separatist leadership is losing control over defiant youth. Thus, an entire population has become hostage to the conflict.

In Srinagar, the uninterrupted curfew imposed after Wani’s killing on July 8 was lifted partially this week only to be re-imposed the very next day to check “azadi” rallies called by separatists and irate youth clashing with security forces. Respites from shutdowns announced by a recently formed loose alliance of key separatist leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik were also marred; the first one by the authorities’ refusal to lift curfew and the second, after hordes of defiant youth came out to warn traders and transporters against resuming work.

Most residents have run out of foodgrains. Kashmiris traditionally store rice, pulses, edible oils, etc. in sufficient quantities to last for weeks and even months. The practice is driven by the long spell of severe winter. But this is peak summer which is witnessing a repeat of what the Valley went through in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Not much foodgrains and other edibles are now left at homes. There is shortage of LPG gas and other fuel. Filling stations are shut and although a few pharmacies are open in the vicinity of hospitals, they are running short of supplies. Vegetables, rice and other food grains and milk - these commodities are transported to Srinagar from the countryside in the dead of the night and quickly sold to residents at makeshift kiosks. Old Srinagar is connected through alleyways and canals with Dal and Nigeen lakes having plenty of floating vegetable gardens.

Bayt al-mals have been set up at mohalla or locality levels to help people in need. A Bayt al-mal or ‘House of money’ or ‘House of Wealth’ historically is a financial institution responsible for the administration of taxes and which also served as a royal treasury for the caliphs and sultans. Their members, volunteers and local aid agencies have not only come to the rescue of the attendants of injured persons admitted to local hospitals but also travel to the countryside at night to buy food supplies from farmers and sell these to Srinagar residents on ‘no profit, no loss’ basis.

Daily-wagers, pavement dwellers and labourers have suffered due to the unrest. Tourist arrivals are down to zero. But this sector accounts for only 6.98 percent of the state’s GDP. Horticulture, the mainstay of Kashmir’s rural economy, may suffer if the crisis is not resolved before the start of harvesting season.

(September-October) when apple produce must be transported out of the Valley.