KO File Photo by Abid Bhat
Srinagar- National Conference and PDP on Saturday said that fruit growers were facing losses due to “halting” of fruit laden trucks on Jammu-Srinagar highway.
“Normal life and business of local populace living on the yatra route should not be made to suffer,” National Conference said and urged the Lieutenant Governor-led administration to allow smooth passage of fruit-laden trucks on the highway.
Party’s MP from Anantnag Hasnain Masoodi, north zone president Javed Dar, District president Baramaulla Sajad Shafi, Irshad Kar also said that the fruit growers have already suffered huge losses over the past several years and “now they have to face more losses as fresh fruit-laden trucks are not allowed smooth passage along the Jammu-Srinagar highway.”
“After witnessing sullen and silent losses for years, orchardists had pinned high hopes following the bumper harvest of cherry, plums and other fruits. Unfortunately for them, their produce which was supposed to reach fruit mandis across the country is lying stuck on the highway for reasons known to the administration,” they said according to a statement to GNS, adding, “Sweltering heat wave in the valley has destroyed truckloads of fruits, vegetables plying to and fro from Srinagar to other parts of the country. Much losses have been incurred by mutton dealers as well.”
Asking the government to review the security arrangements, they said, “Security arrangements are well understood but not at the cost of people’s economic activities. Having such dim witted diktat in place has not only dampened the festive spirit of people but also given a death blow to the already suffering businesses.”
Therefore in the greater interests of the people and their economic prospects, they said, the ongoing security arrangement should be reviewed and attuned to people’s needs.”
PDP Chief and formed chief minister of erstwhile J&K said that “J&K’s economy already in free fall since 2019 is being further crippled due to harassment caused under the pretext of security on the national highway.”
“ All transporters be it meat or fruit suppliers are suffering massive losses,” she said in a tweet.
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