PDP Leader Ex MLA Aijaz Mir claims He was Detained Ahead of Shopian Farmers’ Protest Seeking Crop Insurance
Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLA from Wachi, Aijaz Ahmad Mir, on Sunday said he was detained at his residence in Zainapora, Shopian, ahead of a proposed protest demanding a comprehensive crop insurance scheme for apple and cherry growers.
Mir told Greater Kashmir that police had locked the gate of his residence and prevented him from leaving. He also alleged that roads in the area had been sealed.
Protest Called Over Crop Losses
Mir had called on farmers to gather at Gole Chowk, Shopian, to demand a comprehensive crop insurance scheme amid growing concerns over weather-related damage to orchards.
Recent hailstorms and strong winds have damaged apple orchards in several parts of Kashmir, causing significant losses for fruit growers.
With many growers lacking comprehensive insurance protection, farmers remain vulnerable to heavy financial losses caused by extreme weather.
Farmers Hold Protest Despite Detention
Despite his reported detention, Mir said the protest went ahead.
Taking to X, he said hundreds of fruit growers gathered at Ghanta Ghar in Shopian and peacefully demonstrated in support of their demands.
The protesters called for a comprehensive crop insurance scheme, adequate compensation for affected growers and measures to protect Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture sector.
Horticulture is a major source of livelihood for thousands of families across Kashmir and plays an important role in the region’s rural economy.
Iltija Mufti Criticises Detention
PDP leader Iltija Mufti criticised the reported detention of Mir, alleging that it was intended to prevent a peaceful protest by him and local apple growers.
In a post on X, Mufti described the action as “high-handedness and intolerance” and said Kashmir’s horticulture sector was facing heavy losses.
She alleged that the government’s lack of adequate support had left farmers struggling with losses running into hundreds of crores.
“Our farmers deserve a secure, dignified livelihood,” she said.
Demand for Long-Term Protection
The latest protest has brought renewed attention to the vulnerability of Kashmir’s fruit growers to hailstorms, windstorms and other extreme weather events.
Farmers have been seeking stronger insurance coverage and timely compensation so that weather-related losses do not push orchardists into financial hardship.
The protesters are also calling for a long-term policy framework to protect the horticulture sector, which remains a key pillar of Jammu and Kashmir’s rural economy.
