LEEPA VALLEY (Kashmir English): Rising inflation in Leepa Valley, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) causes markets to remain empty despite being usually active during Ramadan and Eid. Shopkeepers throughout the bazaars noticed frighteningly few customers during this season, which used to be full of energetic crowds in earlier times.
This year, an unusual silence has gripped the markets of Leepa Valley due to soaring inflation. Where markets would typically be bustling with activity in the run-up to Ramadan and Eid, this time, the rising cost of living has kept buyers away, leaving businesses struggling to survive.
Business owners throughout the area express rising concern because their customer numbers have decreased significantly. These business owners face business sustainability challenges because their sales numbers have experienced severe decreases. According to shopkeepers, their business has faced a startling decline since customer traffic during this season seems to have disappeared.
Customers, too, are feeling the strain of inflation. With the prices of essential commodities skyrocketing, most people are struggling to meet their daily needs, let alone think about Eid shopping. “The cost of groceries and other necessities has increased so much that celebrating Eid as we used to is now a luxury,” said one distressed resident.
Numerous families celebrate Eid through the combination of special garments and presents together with celebratory meals. This year the economic situation has wiped out the festivities by pushing people to reduce their spending. Locals from this community used to spend their money on complete family outfits and holiday presents yet this year they cannot meet their essential needs.
The present economic condition has generated concerns across small businesses and traders because they usually depend on seasonal sales increases. Several individuals predict they will struggle to bounce back from their money losses caused by the present emergency.
Local traders have urged the government to take immediate measures to control inflation. If the government does not intervene, not only will local businesses collapse, but people will also lose the ability to participate in their own cultural and religious festivities, expressed a representative of the traders’ association.
More and more citizens from both retail stores and residential areas demanded action because they needed relief. The economic downturn in Leepa Valley will become more entrenched when effective measures to control inflation remain absent, thus creating extra hardship for people trying to celebrate life events.
