Srinagar, September 16, 2025 – Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and Bijbehara Constituency Incharge Iltija Mufti met with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today to highlight the dire crisis engulfing the region’s vital apple industry due to the prolonged shutdown of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44). The closure, triggered by heavy rains and flash floods since late August, has stranded thousands of fruit-laden trucks, threatening massive economic losses for growers and traders in the Kashmir Valley.Mufti, daughter of PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, apprised the LG of the mounting distress faced by apple farmers, whose perishable produce risks spoilage amid the two-week blockade between Nashri and Udhampur sections of the 290-km highway.
In a post on X, she detailed the interaction: “Called on Hon’ble L-G Manoj Sinha ji to apprise him of the severe crisis crippling Jammu and Kashmir’s apple industry owing to the shutdown of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.” She added that Sinha assured her of expedited measures to facilitate smooth truck movement and avert further financial setbacks.
The apple sector, a cornerstone of Kashmir’s economy contributing over Rs 15,000 crore annually and employing lakhs of families, is on the brink as markets across the Valley, including Sopore and Anantnag, observed a complete shutdown on September 15 in protest against the government’s perceived inaction. With approximately 5,000 vehicles carrying apples and other horticultural goods stuck, growers have voiced fears of unprecedented losses, demanding either swift highway restoration or alternative routes like the Mughal Road.
This comes even as LG Sinha flagged off the first dedicated parcel train from Budgam to Delhi on September 15, aimed at easing transport for perishable goods, though it offers limited immediate relief to the stranded convoys. Mufti’s intervention echoes growing opposition criticism, including from Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Lone, who accused the administration of “criminal negligence.” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has also urged the Centre to reopen the highway or transfer control to the state, emphasizing its role in sustaining livelihoods. Agriculture Minister Javed Dar described the situation as “alarming,” underscoring the urgency for coordinated action between state and central authorities.As harvest season peaks, stakeholders hope Sinha’s assurances translate into prompt action, preventing a humanitarian and economic catastrophe in one of India’s premier apple-producing regions.
