Sajad Lone visits fruit mandi Handwara, says Govt failed to restore NH44

Kupwara, Sep 15: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference Chairman and Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) Handwara Sajad Gani Lone Monday visited Fruit Mandi Handwara to meet traders and growers who are suffering due to usual blockade of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.

Lone accused the government of remaining busy in ceremonial visits while thousands of apple-laden trucks remain stranded on the highway. "Fruit industry, which forms the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, has been going through massive losses because of transportation delays," he said while talking to reporters after the culmination of his visit.

He urged government to ensure clearance work round the clock so that unhindered passage of trucks can be made possible on highway. He said that fruit growers cannot afford such neglect, and can push thousands of families into deeper crisis.