Srinagar: Member of Parliament Aga Ruhullah on Tuesday expressed strong concern over the continued closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway at a time when apple transportation from the Valley is at its peak.
Speaking to reporters at Fruit Mandi Shopian, Ruhullah alleged that the halting of fruit-laden trucks on the highway appears to be a deliberate plan to weaken Kashmir’s economy. “Our country claims to be a five trillion economy, and horticulture contributes nearly 70 percent to it. Yet, our fruit is being stopped on the highway, causing immense losses to growers,” he said.
He added that if trucks from Jammu are being allowed towards Srinagar, there is no justification for denying passage to fruit trucks from Kashmir bound for outside markets. “I hope as trucks were allowed via Mughal Road, the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway too will be opened soon. Otherwise, the situation we saw with MLA Mehraj Malik will be repeated with us, and we must be prepared to fight back,” Ruhullah cautioned.
On the issue of the Waqf Board Bill, Ruhullah said that religious institutions of every community must be respected. “Every religion has its own rights. No one has the authority to interfere in matters of faith. Equality and law are for all, and we expect a fair outcome as the Supreme Court deliberates on the issue,” he remarked.
Ruhullah reiterated that both the protection of Kashmir’s apple industry and the safeguarding of religious rights are non-negotiable concerns for the people.
Ruhullah was accompanied by MLA Shopian, Advocate Shabir Ahmad Kullay. [KNT]
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