In a demonstration of concern for the region’s agricultural sector, the Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) staged a protest on Wednesday, denouncing the recent decision by the Indian government to abolish import duties on foreign apples. The party decried this move as an act of economic adversity inflicted upon the local farmers and fruit growers.
During a media address, Suhail Bukhari, Chief Spokesperson for PDP, conveyed the party’s apprehensions regarding the potential repercussions of the policy change on the apple industry in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. He stated, “The decision to eliminate import duties would bear severe economic consequences for both regions.”
Bukhari emphasized that the timing of the government’s decision coincided with the peak apple harvesting season, a critical period for the industry. Prices had already been experiencing a decline, and he reminded the public of the difficulties faced by the fruit industry last year when fruit-laden trucks were halted on highways, leading to a crisis for those associated with the sector.
The PDP spokesperson criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for allegedly prioritizing foreign interests over the economic well-being of Jammu & Kashmir, asserting that this move exposed the BJP’s true intentions.
He pointed out that the hasty decision would disproportionately affect local growers, particularly in J&K, which has already been grappling with substantial losses since 2019.
Terming this decision as a grave injustice, he remarked, “In order to appease Americans and other foreign nations, the central government has turned a blind eye to its own people who are in dire need of assistance to overcome severe economic crises. It appears that the Indian government is more concerned about foreign interests than the well-being of its own citizens who will suffer the most from this decision.”
Bukhari concluded his address by urging the Indian government to reconsider its decision and provide relief to all fruit growers in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and other affected regions.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
