Qazigund (Anantnag), July 31: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti on Friday issued a 24-hour deadline to highway authorities to reopen the Qazigund stretch of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, warning of protests if fruit-laden trucks continue to remain stranded.
Addressing reporters at the site, Mufti said apple growers were facing heavy losses due to the highway restrictions and alleged that the delay was affecting Kashmir’s fruit industry during the peak season.
She claimed that growers had informed her that the price of an apple box had fallen from around Rs 2,000 a week ago to Rs 600 on Friday.
“A corporate house’s apples get sold while Kashmiri apples don’t? We will not let that happen,” she said, alleging that the interests of local growers were being compromised.
Mufti criticised the government over its response to the issue, saying an elected administration with a strong mandate should have intervened to address the concerns of fruit growers.
“Does statehood prevent the Chief Minister from coming here and standing with our fruit growers?” she asked, adding that people who supported the government were now disappointed.
She said highway maintenance work should be completed within a short period and questioned the timing of the repairs during the crucial apple transportation season.
Responding to the government’s statement that the highway does not fall under its jurisdiction, Mufti said the administration could still intervene by visiting the affected area, engaging with growers and coordinating with concerned authorities.
She also criticised the Chief Minister’s priorities, alleging that issues affecting common people were being overlooked.
Mufti said a similar situation had occurred last year when, according to her, fruit remained stranded on the highway for weeks due to maintenance-related restrictions.
She announced that growers and traders would hold a protest at Qazigund from the day after tomorrow if the highway stretch was not reopened by Saturday.
