Sheikh Nadeem
Given the rise in unemployment in the Valley, the youths try to establish their own business outlets in order to earn livelihood.
A 25 year old youth, Aasif Hussain Ahanger, who hails from south Kashmir’s Kamad area of Anantnag district has turned his Matador (minibus) into a small restaurant at famous tourist destination Kokernag.
Asif Hussain had bought a minibus vehicle, however the vehicle was stuck without any movement after the administration in Jammu Kashmir imposed restrictions over the public transport in wake of covid 19.
Marred by back to back lockdowns, The driver community of Kashmir, pertinently has been facing massive economic crisis after the abrogation of special status on August 05, 2019.
Now, by turning his minibus into a small restaurant, Asif has made movement and started earning his livelihood through the minibus.
Through this unique business idea, Asif has created employment not only for himself but for several youths at the Kokernag area in Anantnag District, as well.
Last year, Asif went through a severe financial crunch. But the idea of a mobile restaurant changed his life. He has turned from a driver to a mobile restaurant owner by modifying his vehicle.
Asif went ahead and took this initiative because there is no use of mini buses in Kokernag, now, given people prefer personal vehicles for travel.
Asif has decorated his minibus to attract tourists as well as locals of the area. The minibus, now, has a mini kitchen, which also has a refrigerator and a wash-basin.
Speaking to The Kashmiriyat, Asif said that he has set up his mobile restaurant outside the Kokernag Botanical Garden.
Asif also takes his mobile restaurant to Anantnag tourist destinations where he sells a variety of food to tourists and visitors.
Asif says that tourists love his unique restaurant and that they also enjoy the variety of fast foods available at his mini bus restaurant.
Asif hopes to grow his business further, so that it can provide employment to more youths.