Srinagar, Sep 17 : PDP President Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday urged the government to take immediate steps to ensure smooth transport of fruit, describing the industry as the backbone of Kashmir’s economy.
She said that the National Highway has always remained under the control of the central government, whether during the tenure of Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, or the current administration. “The fruit industry is the backbone of our economy,” she said.
Mufti highlighted the challenges faced by fruit growers, who work throughout the year, borrow money from banks, and wait for their produce to reach markets. “But the government kept watching it like a spectacle,” she said, adding that she had warned the administration on September 2 to take action.
She proposed that a dedicated corridor be opened from 8 AM to 2 AM, allowing only fruit vehicles to pass. The damaged sections of the road should be repaired as a priority to prevent frequent closures and losses to the sector.
Mufti also said that the road disruptions have affected tourism and hotel businesses. “If the fruit falls like this, where will the people of Kashmir go? God forbid, we will be ruined,” she said.
She called on the government to allow fruit transport at night to provide relief to growers. “This is our backbone. Don’t let it break,” she added.(KNS)
