IIOJK political leaders rally behind fruit growers amid ongoing Srinagar-Jammu Highway closure
Srinagar: Political leaders across Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have expressed deep concern and extended strong support for fruit growers as the prolonged closure of the Srinagar–Jammu Highway has left hundreds of apple-laden trucks stranded, causing losses estimated to be hundreds of crores of rupees and threatening the livelihoods of thousands of families.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the disruption comes at the peak of the harvest season for highly perishable fruits. With vehicles stuck for days in long snarls, much of the produce has begun to rot, leading to fears of irreversible economic damage.
Horticulture remains the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, sustaining nearly 70% of the valley’s households. With the fruit industry valued at approximately INR 12,000 crore, leaders warned that continued highway blockades could deliver a devastating blow to Kashmir’s economic fabric.
Senior National Conference (NC) leader and Member of Parliament Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi called the situation “grave,” warning that both fruit growers and the general public are bearing the brunt—facing rotting produce, fuel shortages, and disrupted supplies. He urged authorities to take urgent measures to restore the free movement of goods on the critical highway link.
CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami expressed solidarity with the horticultural community and demanded full compensation for the losses incurred. He urged both the Indian government and the Manoj Sinha-led IIOJK administration to immediately extend logistical support, including special transport services to ensure produce reaches markets outside Kashmir.
People’s Conference president Sajad Gani Lone described the growers’ losses as “massive,” accusing the administration of “sitting like mute spectators.” He called for a concrete, long-term strategy developed in consultation with stakeholders and industry experts.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti stressed the urgent need for improved highway maintenance and called for the prioritisation of trucks carrying perishable goods such as apples.
People’s Democratic Front (PDF) chief Hakeem Yaseen noted that the prolonged highway closure, compounded by recent heavy rains and flooding, has only worsened the hardships faced by the valley’s residents. KMS
