Srinagar, Jan 04 (KNS): Chairman People's Democratic Front (PDF) and former Minister, Hakeem Yaseen has urged the government of India to ban illegal import of Iranian apple which is being imported under the garb of Afghan apples through Wagah Border without any import duty. He has demanded to levy import duty on Iranian fruits to make Kashmir apple competitive in the open market.

In a statement issued to KNS, Hakeem Yaseen said due to import of Iranian fruit without import duty, these are sold at low prices as against high quality Kashmiri apple. He said import of Iranian apple via Afganistan, has put kashmiri apple trade on tough situation in the market. He said Iranian fruits are imported through Wagaborder without import duty making them cheaper in the market. He has also sought intervention of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to rise to the occasion to safeguard the interests of fruit growers of Jammu and Kashmir. He said illegal import of Iranian Apple is inflicting heavy losses upon fruit growers of Jammu and Kashmir who are unable to repay thier bank loans. "It is reported that many crore kashmiri apple boxes are yet dumped in various cold stores and were unsold thereby giving sleepless nights to the fruit growers and traders. He said fruit industry, which is the mainstay of Jammu and Kashmir's economy was at the brink of bankruptcy.

"It is reported that Iranian Apple via Afghanistan is imported by various traders and sold illegally in various fruit mandis of India. As there is zero import duty agreement between Indian government and Afghanistan, which is severely hitting kashmiri fruit business and causing huge losses to the local fruit growers.” Hakeem Yaseen added. He said the illegal and unlawful import of Iranian Apple by several fruit traders in India market is not only disastrous to the fruit growers of Jammu and Kashmir but also results in huge losses to the State Exchequer. He said fruit growers have demanded a ban on Iranian Apple via Afghanistan and its illegal sale, in order to safeguard the interest of fruit growers of Jammu and Kashmir from losses. He has slammed administration for not taking up the matter with the Central Government to address the concern of fruit growers and traders. "Due to lackadiascal approach of the government to address the urgent matter on emergency basis, Fruit growers and traders of Jammu and Kashmir have been forced to come on streets for redressal of thier grievances.

PDF Chairman has also sought relief package for the affected fruit growers of Jammu and Kashmir to help them withstand their livelihood on account of huge losses inflicted on them due to illegal import of Iranian Apple. (KNS)