Jammu and Kashmir’s People’s Conference leader Sajad Gani Lone on Monday criticised the Omar Abdullah government over its handling of the ongoing crisis triggered by frequent disruptions on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has witnessed several disruptions since August 26, following incessant rainfall and flash floods that washed away multiple stretches of the road across several districts.
In his post on X, Lone said, “The apples destined for the rest of the country are in a state of rot. Massive losses for the apple growers. I am sure there must be some remedial measures.”
Lone criticised the inaction of the administration in providing relief to fruit growers following recent rainfall and inundation of several places, primarily those with apple orchards.
He accused the Omar-led government of being a mute spectator and said doing nothing is criminal. “Inclement weather is not the fault of the government. But sitting like a mute spectator and doing nothing is criminal,” he said.
Lone said Omar must work out a strategy for the facilitation of the uninterrupted movement of goods on the national highway.
“Stop wandering across the country. Sit with your officers and stakeholders and work out a strategy,” he posted on X.
Lone made these remarks as hundreds of trucks carrying apples remain stranded, triggering protests and shutdowns across the fruit mandis in the valley.
Meanwhile, fruit growers in Kashmir have threatened to go on a valley-wide strike if the situation remains unresolved in the next 48 hours, making a potential confrontation inevitable.
Also Read: Heavy rains lash J&K, bridge damaged on Jammu-Pathankot highway
Follow us
