Srinagar, Sep 22 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President, Tariq Hameed Karra voiced strong concern over repeated Srinagar–Jammu National Highway closures during the peak fruit season, saying the disruptions are crippling Kashmir’s apple economy and raising “serious doubts of an economic sabotage”, aimed at weakening the Valley’s key horticulture sector.
Speaking at a party convention in Uri, Karra, as per the news agency — Kashmir News Observer (KNO), hinted at a larger “design” behind the economic disruptions, says the Valley’s backbone fruit industry has been badly hit by these highway closures.
“People doubt that whenever the fruit season is at its peak, the road challenges occur. We should investigate whether there is any conspiracy to crush the economy of Jammu and Kashmir, be it horticulture, agriculture or other sectors,” the Congress leader said.
He recalled that during the recently concluded assembly elections, the people’s “biggest challenge” was to keep the BJP out of power. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir succeeded in keeping the BJP away from the corridors of power. Post government formation, we once again reiterated our demand for the restoration of statehood which was snatched unconstitutionally,” he said.
Karra asserted that the Congress deliberately stayed away from joining the new government despite extending “issue-based support” from the outside. “We had promised statehood in our manifesto and until the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir are restored, we will not be part of the government. We did support the government but we will continue to speak about the people’s miseries", he said, adding that Congress would not shy away from highlighting governance failures even while extending backdoor support.
Pledging to continue the struggle, Karra assured that under the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, the Congress would “not compromise” on issues concerning the rights and economy of the people. “We will raise our voice on every front where people’s economy or rights are being obstructed,” he said—(KNO)