Kashmir Apple Growers, Traders Stage Protest Over Jammu-Srinagar Highway Closure
Fruit traders stage protests in Sopore, Handwara and Kulgam; warn of losses worth crores due to prolonged Jammu-Srinagar highway disruption.
SRINAGAR, Sept 15: Apple growers and traders across Kashmir on Monday staged protests against the prolonged closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, accusing the government of inaction and warning that produce worth over ₹10,000 crore risks being spoiled.
Demonstrations were held in Sopore town of Baramulla district, Handwara in Kupwara, and other fruit-growing hubs, where growers highlighted the crippling impact of the highway shutdown on horticulture—the backbone of Kashmir’s economy.
Fruit mandis across the Valley observed a two-day shutdown to register their protest. In Kulgam, Zahoor Ahmad, State President of the Apple Farmers’ Federation, urged the government to immediately facilitate smooth transport of apple-laden vehicles. He stressed that an efficient system was crucial to prevent delays and financial losses, adding, “Apple is a perishable fruit. Timely delivery is critical for preserving quality and ensuring fair prices.”
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha launched a dedicated cargo parcel train service from Nowgam to Delhi, aimed at easing the crisis. Flagging off the first train, Sinha said the service would ferry 23–24 tonnes of apples daily to Adarsh Nagar, New Delhi.
A delegation of Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers’ Union, led by Chairman Bashir Ahmad Basheer, also met the Lieutenant Governor. They expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and LG Sinha for the initiative and sought further measures to address transport bottlenecks.
