Amarnath Yatra restrictions disrupt life, hurt Kashmir’s economy
Fruit growers seek uninterrupted movement on highway
Srinagar: Analysts have said that the extensive traffic restrictions imposed by the Indian authorities for the annual Amarnath Yatra have once again disrupted normal life and economic activity in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Indian authorities have enforced strict traffic regulations from July 2 to facilitate the movement of Amarnath Yatra convoys, restricting civilian traffic on major routes in Jammu and along the Jammu-Srinagar highway.
The analysts said the restrictions have severely affected the transportation of Kashmir’s fruit produce, with trucks carrying perishable goods remaining stranded on the highway for long periods, causing financial losses to growers and traders and weakening the local economy.
They further said that repeated road closures, intensive frisking, military checkpoints and movement restrictions during the yatra period adversely affect local businesses and the tourism sector, causing inconvenience to residents and visitors alike.
The observers maintained that the deployment of massive Indian forces’ personnel and prolonged restrictions in the name of the yatra place an additional burden on the local population and deepen economic hardships. They urged the Indian authorities to ensure that religious events do not result in prolonged disruptions to the livelihoods and daily lives of the people of the territory.
Meanwhile, a delegation of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers Union (KVFGU) has urged the Traffic Police to ensure uninterrupted movement of fruit-laden trucks on the Srinagar-Jammu highway during the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, warning that any delay in transportation could result in heavy losses to fruit growers due to the perishable nature of the produce.
The delegation, led by KVFGU Chairman Bashir Ahmad Basheer, met Inspector General of Police (Traffic) M. Suleman Choudhary in Srinagar.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Traffic) Haseeb-ur-Rehman was also present during the meeting.
The delegation highlighted the challenges posed by the ongoing one-way traffic regulation on the highway due to the Amarnath Yatra convoy. They informed the traffic authorities that the harvesting and marketing of plum, early varieties of apple, pear and other seasonal fruits are currently in full swing and require immediate transportation to markets across the country.
The delegation said these fruits are highly perishable and even a day’s delay in transportation could cause substantial damage, leading to significant financial losses for growers who have already suffered due to adverse weather and natural calamities this season.
While reiterating their wholehearted support for the annual Amarnath Yatra, the delegation appealed to the Traffic Police to continue the practice adopted in previous years of facilitating the movement of fruit-laden trucks, including allowing their passage during convoy operations wherever feasible.
The growers also pointed out that uninterrupted movement of trucks carrying fruits and vegetables into Kashmir from outside the territory is equally important to maintain smooth supply chains.
