Manufacturing activity in Punjab especially, Jalandhar, Phagwara, Hoshiarpur and Ludhiana, has been adversely impacted following incidents of large-scale violence on Monday, in the wake of killing of a sect head in Vienna.
Speaking to Business Standard, Ashwani Kohli, senior vice president, Punjab Chamber of Small Exporters, said, “The ongoing recession is already impacting exports and the present situation in Punjab would further deteriorate our condition. Even our time bound shipments are being held up due to the current situation.”
Though it is too early to quantify the exact amount of loss, sources said the small and medium enterprises (SME) segment was the worst hit. At present, SMEs account for 99 per cent of the total industrial units in the state. According to data, the state had 206,833 working units up to 2007-08.
Ludhiana Knitters’ Association president Ajit Lakra said movement of goods had come to a grinding halt since yesterday. His export consignment has been stuck and he is not sure how much time it would take for the situation to become normal.
Government officials though said the situation was tense but under control. The state on Tuesday was by and large peaceful. Curfew was lifted in most of the places in Ludhiana while it has been relaxed in Hoshiarpur, Phagwara and Jalandhar.
Meanwhile, reports of clashes have also been reported from Jagadhri. Business in the industrial twin towns of Yamunanagar-Jagadhri was adversely impacted as establishments were forced to down their shutters.
