Fruit mandis across Kashmir remained closed on Monday as growers protested against the government’s failure to ensure the smooth passage of fruit-laden trucks on the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway. The growers warned that if the road is not fully restored within two days, they will launch a valley-wide strike.
At Sopore, home to Asia’s second-largest Fruit Mandi, the atmosphere turned emotional as orchardists pleaded for the survival of their industry. Many broke down, saying their year’s hard work was rotting inside stranded trucks while authorities “remained silent.”
Fayaz Ahmed Malik, president of the Fruit Growers Association, directly blamed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. “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 said, accusing lawmakers of ignoring the crisis.
Growers alleged discrimination, claiming that trucks carrying iron and other goods were being allowed to move while fruit consignments were deliberately stopped.
Malik warned that if the situation does not improve within 48 hours, the strike would expand across the Valley and could bring economic activity to a standstill.
On September 14 and 15, mandis in Sopore, Handwara, Shopian, Kulgam, Anantnag, and other districts observed a complete shutdown to press their demands. According to the growers’ association, hundreds of trucks carrying perishable fruits remain stuck on the highway, causing “massive damages and heavy losses” to farmers.
