Fruit Mandis Shut Across Kashmir Valley Over Highway Havoc

Srinagar- Fruit mandis across Kashmir observed a complete shutdown on Monday in protest against the government's failure to ensure the smooth movement of fruit-laden trucks. Growers warned of a valley-wide strike if the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway is not fully restored within two days.

Emotional scenes unfolded at Asia's second-largest Fruit Mandi in Sopore, where growers with tearful eyes pleaded for the survival of the industry, reported news agency KNO.

Many orchardists broke down during the protest, lamenting that their year's hard work was rotting in stranded trucks while the government“watched silently.”

Speaking at the protest, President Fayaz Ahmed Malik accused Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of failing the people.“If the CM can't ensure the passage of fruit trucks, he has no right to sit in office. Resign if you can't do anything,” he thundered, adding that no MLA had spoken up for the growers.

Growers alleged that while trucks carrying iron and other commodities were being allowed to move, fruit-laden vehicles were deliberately held back.

Warning of an escalation, Malik stated that if the highway is not restored within 48 hours, growers will announce a valley-wide strike that could paralyze economic activity across the region.

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