LG, Div com assure clearance of fruit trucks
Mandis’ operations to resume today
Srinagar : Fruit mandis across Kashmir have been on a complete shutdown for two consecutive days due to protests by growers against the government’s failure to clear nearly 5,000 fruit-laden trucks stranded on the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway. This blockade has resulted in significant financial losses exceeding Rs 1,200 crore, with many growers expressing despair as their hard work is wasted while the government remains unresponsive.
At the Sopore mandi, emotional scenes unfolded as growers voiced their frustrations, stating that every hour of delay exacerbates their financial struggles. President Fayaz Ahmad Malik criticized the Chief Minister’s inaction, demanding his resignation if he cannot facilitate the movement of fruit trucks. He warned of a potential valley-wide strike if the situation does not improve within 48 hours.
Growers have raised concerns about perceived discrimination, noting that trucks carrying non-perishable goods are being prioritized over their fruit trucks. The prolonged blockade has led to thousands of tonnes of perishable produce either rotting or being sold at drastically reduced prices.
In a meeting with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the president of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers Union received assurances of immediate action. The LG promised that all fruit-laden vehicles would be cleared on priority and that the highway would be restored promptly, with compensation for affected growers being considered. Following these commitments, the Union announced that mandi operations would resume, but they cautioned that failure to honor these promises would lead to intensified protests.
