By IANS
Ranchi : Jharkhand has suffered losses of Rs.1.6 billion due to a 48-hour shutdown called by Maoist insurgents in the state, which ended Wednesday morning.
According to estimates by the Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI), the total economic loss to the state exceeded Rs.1.6 billion.
“Maoist shutdowns are a major hindrance in the development of the state. Development work comes to standstill due to the strikes,” said FJCCI member Ashok Saraf.
The major sufferers included mining companies, bus and truck owners, shop owners and railways. According to an estimate, mining alone suffered losses of Rs.700 million.
Other business activities suffered losses of around Rs.800 million in two days.
“Almost all shops were closed. No trading took place as buses and trucks did not ply on the roads and no material was either brought to the state or sent outside,” said Ranchi-based businessman Vinay Gupta.
Around 3,000 buses ply every day in Jharkhand. Bus and truck owners say the sector lost Rs.70 million.
Railway services were also disrupted due to the shutdown. However, no railway property was damaged this time.