Sopore, Aug 19: Fayaz Ahmed Malik (Kakaji), the president of Asia’s second-largest fruit mandi in Sopore, on Wednesday expressed optimism over the ongoing market season while simultaneously appealing to the government for the implementation of crucial schemes and intervention to maintain law and order.
Addressing media, President Sopore fruit mandi highlighted the smooth functioning of the market, which operates for nearly two and a half months starting in June. “Thank God, this year, the market situation is good. We hope that there will be a good market in the future as well,” he said .
He raised the issue of crop insurance and the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), stating that they are in constant dialogue with the government on these matters . The president also acknowledged the successful resolution of the National Highway issue, which had previously threatened the smooth supply chain. “We have been successful to a great extent. The National Highway is still running. Our goods are reaching the markets smoothly,” he said, expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister and the Agriculture Minister for their efforts .
Malik announced the registration and strengthening of the Kashmir Fruit Growers and Dealers Association, which was originally registered in 1979, to create a robust and unified representative body. However, he also issued a strong warning against those attempting to disrupt market operations, alleging that a small group of people are trying to disturb the established system to the detriment of the livelihood of thousands of daily-wage earners. “They call themselves traders, but they behave like children,” he said.
In a direct appeal to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Malik urged the police to file FIR against the miscreants to prevent them from ruining the market, asserting that the matter is sub-judice and should be settled in court. “I will run this market, and I will continue to work for it,” Malik said, recalling his leadership during the challenging times of 2019. (KNS)
