Srinagar, Jul 12 (KNS): Peoples Conference senior vice president and former minister Abdul Gani Vakil on Friday while criticizing the governor administration for continuous restrictions on the movement of people and goods said that the highway ban affects will disrupt the horticulture industry. Vakil said that the government must allow transportation of fruit trucks and other perishable items failing which the growers and dealers may face heavy losses.

Addressing series of public meetings at Sadpora, Tragpora and Ladoora, Vakil said that Peoples Conference extends its full support to the protest organized by Fruit growers at Sopore fruit mandi.

“The people of the State are facing immense difficulties in wake of the reckless highway ban. Apart from causing inconvenience to the general population, the ban has resulted in damages to the horticulture economy and shortage of essential supplies in Kashmir Valley due to which poor people are suffering”, he added.

Vakil further said that fruit growers and distributors who have stored the apple crop in the cold storages and requires urgent transportation to various destination in the country would be hit badly by the ban. Besides, it will delay the chemical treatment of orchards. The ban is unjustified and will put the Fruit Growers of the Valley to face heavy losses”, he added.

Urging the governor administration to address heightened concerns of Horticulture industry on the traffic restrictions, Vakil said, “Imposition of these restrictions is an anti-people step and must be revoked immediately to save further hassle to the people of Kashmir.” (KNS)