Zainageer March 2 (KNS): Senior vice president J&K Peoples Conference (PC) and former Minister Abdul Gani Vakil expressed concern and anguish on what he termed the step-motherly treatment of the Centre Govt. and LG. Admin towards the fruit industry of Kashmir Valley and said that the present dispensation has totally ignored the fruit industry in Kashmir as no incentives are being given to promote the said industry. Although the fruit industry is the backbone of the economy of J&K, unfortunately, the UT administration and the Central Government have turned a deaf ear to the genuine demands of fruit growers. Vakil was addressing the party workers convention in Tujar Sharief Zainageer today. On this occassion Vakil welcomed more than 200 workers from different political parties who joined PC in the convention
While addressing the gathering, Vakil said that it is the need of the hour that both the UT Administration and the Centre Government come forward to provide every type of assistance and help to fruit growers to revive the industry so that thousands of people and families attached to the industry will not be deprived of their sustenance. Vakil appealed to PM Modi to announce a special economic package and waive the KCC loans of the fruit growers to revive the fruit industry, and this announcement will add significance to his visit to Kashmir Valley and will rejuvenate the fruit industry.
Vakil reiterated his demand for implementing confidence-building measures before parliamentary elections and said if GoI wants greater participation in the coming parliamentary elections, they should immediately restore the statehood of J&K, release political prisoners, and provide a special employment package for unemployed youth in the region.
Addressing the gathering Sr. PC Leader and District President Baramulla Asif Lone accused the traditional parties of deceiving people in the name of autonomy and self-rule and said these traditional parties are ready to align with anyone for the sake of power. He urged party workers to advance their efforts for the upcoming parliament elections, emphasising the need for credible representatives who will address the genuine concerns of the people.
Besides others who were present in the Convention include Provincial Secretary Irfan Matoo, District Secretary Baramulla Mohammad Sultan Makhdoomi, Patron Civil Society Zainageer, Master Mohammad Sultan, YJKPC President Rafiabad Tariq Ahmad Khan, YJKPC President Sopore, Junaid Parveez, YJKPC Tehsil President Zainageer Javid Lone.(KNS)