Modi govt deliberately undermining Kashmir’s horticulture economy: Agha Ruhullah
“In IIOJK, anyone who speaks for their rights is unsafe”
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, senior National Conference leader and Member of Indian Parliament Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has criticized the Indian government for deliberately attempting to cripple Kashmir Valley’s horticulture industry—a key pillar of the region’s economy— by neglecting the restoration of the Srinagar-Jammu highway.
According to Kashmir Media Service, speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Aga Ruhullah said the Indian government is systematically disrupting Kashmir’s economy by either importing fruits at cheaper rates or deliberately blocking the highway, especially during peak harvest season.
He highlighted that the horticulture sector, along with other agricultural produce, contributes to nearly 75% of Kashmir’s GDP, and any disruption has devastating consequences for farmers and traders. “Yet fruit-laden trucks from Kashmir are stranded, while traffic from Jammu is being allowed through. This is because we have been stripped of our rights,” he said.
He recalled previous instances when trucks carrying Kashmiri produce were deliberately halted, causing the fruit to rot—calling it a “well-planned conspiracy” to sabotage the Valley’s economy.
Commenting on the recent detention of a Doda-based legislator under the draconian Public Safety Act (PSA), Ruhullah said: “In Jammu and Kashmir, anyone who speaks up for their rights is unsafe. We must unite and resist this black law.”
