Demand urgent govt action on highway blockade
SRINAGAR: Industrial associations from across the Valley on Monday joined the Kashmir Fruit Growers and Traders Unions at Sopore Mandi and other places to express solidarity with orchardists and fruit dealers who have suffered unprecedented losses over the past month due to the prolonged closure of the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway.
One of such protests, organised by the Fruit Association Sopore under the leadership of its President, Fayaz Ahmad (Kaka Ji), highlighted the government’s failure to ensure uninterrupted movement of fruit consignments and to create alternative arrangements for transportation to mandis across the country.
Led by President of Industrial Estate Sopore and FCIK member, Javid Ahmad Bhat, scores of entrepreneurs participated in the symbolic protest, describing it as a “wake-up call” to the authorities.
The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) expressed grave concern over the colossal losses faced by fruit growers and allied industries, warning that the ongoing harvest season is being ruined due to transportation delays. It said the absence of remedial measures points to “a serious governance failure.”
With horticulture being the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, the crisis has placed the livelihoods of lakhs of people in jeopard
FCIK has demanded immediate restoration of highway connectivity with dedicated traffic management besides opening of alternative corridors, including Mughal Road.
The Chamber has demanded permanent railway freight services and special transport facilities, including deployment of trucks and reefer vans.
FCIK has also supported the growers in their demand for adequate compensation for the heavy losses already incurred.
Endorsing the seven-point demand charter of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers cum Dealers Union, FCIK further stressed the need for a comprehensive long-term logistics and horticulture export policy to safeguard the sector. It warned that continued neglect will push Kashmir’s fruit industry and allied sectors into irreversible decline.