“Mute spectator to a crisis”: Sajad Lone slams govt as Kashmir’s fruit industry bleeds

Srinagar : Peoples Conference president Sajad Gani Lone on Monday slammed National Conference-led government over its handling of the ongoing crisis caused by disruptions on the Srinagar–Jammu national highway.

In a post on X, formerly twitter, Lone minced no words in castigating the government over hindrances in movement of apple trucks on the highway.

“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 said in post on X, as per news agency.

Lone criticized the administration’s inaction, saying that sitting like a mute spectator and doing nothing is criminal.

“Inclement weather is not fault of the government. But sitting like a mute spectator and doing nothing is criminal,” he said.

Lone also asked Omar Abdullah to work out a strategy for facilitating unhindered movement of trucks on the highway. “Stop wandering aimlessly across the country. Sit with your officers and stakeholders and work out a strategy,” he posted on X.

Lone’s remarks came as hundreds of trucks carrying apples remain stranded, triggering protests and shutdowns across fruit mandis in the Valley.

Growers have warned of a valley-wide strike if the situation is not resolved within 48 hours—(KNO)