MLA Irfan Hafiz Lone visits Sopore Fruit Mandi to assess highway closure impact

Sopore, Sep 15: Amid the ongoing crisis caused by the blockade of the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway, MLA Wagoora-Kreeri from Congress party, Irfan Hafiz Lone, on Monday paid a visit to the Sopore Fruit Mandi, Asia’s second-largest wholesale fruit market, to express solidarity with orchardists and traders.

Interacting with growers, Lone said that the fruit sector is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy and that the genuine concerns of farmers cannot be overlooked. “I stand firmly with the fruit growers and their just demands. The government must act immediately to ensure the smooth passage of fruit-laden trucks that have been stranded for days,” he remarked.

He further assured the growers that he will personally raise the issue with his party’s higher command. Lone urged the administration to take swift measures to restore traffic on the highway and prevent further damage to the Valley’s economy. The fruit growers and traders welcomed Lone’s assurance.