Highway Closure Sparks ‘Economic Assault’ Concerns Among J&K Leaders Over Kashmir’s Losses
Political parties term prolonged Srinagar-Jammu highway blockade as “economic assault,” demand urgent clearance of fruit-laden trucks.
Srinagar, Sep 16: Leaders across Jammu and Kashmir’s political spectrum on Wednesday lashed out at the prolonged closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH44), alleging it was a “deliberate ploy” to cripple the Union Territory’s economy during the peak apple season. They demanded immediate clearance of fruit-laden trucks stranded for days.
The 270-km-long highway, a vital lifeline connecting the Valley with the rest of the country, was closed for nine consecutive days due to heavy rains and flash floods last month. Though reopened for light motor vehicles last week, trucks carrying apple consignments remain stranded.
National Conference MP Ruhullah Mehdi alleged a “systematic attack” on Kashmir’s horticulture sector, which contributes more than 75% to J&K’s GDP. “Sometimes substandard pesticides are pushed, sometimes cheap apples are imported, and now our trucks are blocked. This is a pattern of economic assault,” he said.
PDP leader Iltija Mufti also met LG Manoj Sinha, flagging the “crisis” apple growers face due to the shutdown. She said the LG assured her that movement of trucks would be expedited.
Meanwhile, Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) staged a protest in Srinagar, terming the blockade “nothing short of an economic assault on Kashmir.” Their activists, raising slogans of “Save Apple, Save Kashmir,” were later detained by police.
CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami urged the Centre to intervene, warning that farmers and fruit traders face devastating losses. He demanded revival of the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) and inclusion of apple under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY).
“The government cannot remain indifferent. Protecting horticulture means protecting the livelihood of lakhs of families,” Tarigami said, pressing for cold storage facilities and relief packages for flood-hit farmers.
With apple consignments stuck on the highway and premature crop losses due to rains, growers fear this season’s produce may rot before reaching markets. Political leaders warn that without urgent action, Kashmir’s horticulture backbone could face irreparable damage.
