Srinagar, Oct 23 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference has expressed serious concern over the loss of lives in South Kashmir’s Tral area due to inclement weather conditions and large scale damage caused to fruit growers across the Valley.

Former Legislator and senior PC leader Mansoor Hussain Sohrawardhy has termed the drastic change in the weather pattern a deeply worrisome trend, highlighting the immense hardships the people especially the fruit growers have been exposed to due to untimely rains and snowfall.

He added that there are disturbing reports about the loss of precious lives coming in from Tral area. Mansoor has expressed grief and shock over the tragic incident and has commiserated with the affected populace. He urged the government to come to the rescue of the victim families and also move the people living in dilapidated structures to safer places.

Mansoor further has expressed concern over the large-scale damage caused to orchards in several south and north Kashmir areas wherein the orchardists have incurred huge losses due to the crops getting damaged by the prevalent weather. He said that the apple trees in particular have got damaged and that not only has this hit the livelihood of apple farmers this year but for the coming years as well. Mansoor has demanded immediate assessment of the losses so that adequate compensation is provided to the affected growers without delay.

The PC leader further underscored the need to save those associated with the apple cultivation in Kashmir so that the mainstay of the economy is safeguarded henceforth and on priority. (KNS)