Iltija Mufti Gives 24-Hour Ultimatum to Clear Fruit Trucks on NH-44, Warns of Qazigund Protest

SRINAGAR: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti has given the Jammu and Kashmir administration a 24-hour ultimatum to clear the backlog of fruit-laden trucks stranded on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44), warning of a major protest at Qazigund if smooth transportation is not restored. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Raising concern over traffic congestion on Kashmir’s main trade route, Mufti said thousands of trucks carrying apples and other fresh produce remain stuck at different locations, especially near Qazigund, causing heavy losses to fruit growers and traders.

PDP Demands Immediate Clearance

Iltija Mufti urged the administration and traffic authorities to give priority to trucks transporting perishable fruit from the Kashmir Valley to markets across India.

She warned that if the situation is not resolved within 24 hours, PDP leaders, orchardists and representatives of trade bodies will march to Qazigund and stage a protest by blocking the highway.

Delays Affect Apple Growers

According to Mufti, prolonged delays on NH-44 are damaging Kashmir’s horticulture sector, as apples and other fresh produce remain stranded inside trucks for several days.

Extended transportation delays reduce the quality of fruit and lower its market value when it reaches major wholesale markets, including Azadpur Mandi in Delhi.

Growers have also expressed concern that delayed deliveries could affect buyer confidence during the peak marketing season.

Horticulture Supports Millions

Apple cultivation is one of Jammu and Kashmir’s largest industries and provides livelihoods to millions of people directly and indirectly.

Fruit growers say transportation disruptions during the harvest season increase financial pressure on farmers, who are already dealing with rising production and labour costs.

Highway Congestion Remains a Recurring Issue

The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) frequently experiences heavy traffic during the apple harvesting season due to:

• Increased movement of heavy vehicles.
• Ongoing highway widening works.
• Landslides and shooting stones, particularly along the Ramban-Banihal stretch.
• Weather-related disruptions.

These factors often delay the movement of fruit trucks heading to markets outside Jammu and Kashmir.

Growers Seek Green Corridor

Fruit growers’ associations have repeatedly urged the authorities to create a dedicated green corridor for trucks carrying perishable agricultural produce.

They argue that giving priority to fruit-laden vehicles during the harvest season would reduce spoilage, protect farmers’ incomes and ensure Kashmiri apples reach markets across the country in good condition.