Ensuring hassle-free fruit trade amid pilgrim rush: J&K L-G Manoj Sinha

Our Correspondent

Srinagar, July 3

As clamour grows over scores of fresh fruit-laden trucks getting stranded on roads due to the convoys of pilgrims plying on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said the administration was ensuring that the movement of perishable items did not face any hurdle and trucks were allowed during the notified time.

Fruit growers and traders of north Kashmir had on Saturday held a peaceful protest at the Fruit Mandi, Sopore, over the stoppage of fruit-laden trucks along the Srinagar-Jammu highway in view of the Amarnath Yatra. They urged the administration to allow the smooth passage of fruit-laden trucks on the highway.

Sinha today visited the Shri Amarnathji Yatra transit camp at Pantha Chowk on the outskirts of Srinagar and interacted with pilgrims. He enquired about the facilities being extended to the pilgrims, besides conveying his greetings and best wishes to the yatris. Speaking to mediapersons on the sidelines of the visit, Sinha said the administration was ensuring that the movement of perishable items did not face any hurdle and trucks were allowed during the notified time.

Officials have been directed to ensure fruit growers, farmers and dealers transporting perishable items like fruits and vegetables do not face inconvenience on the national highway.

The selfless service of civil society, volunteers and locals have made a huge difference in administration’s effort to provide the best possible facilities to the pilgrims, Sinha said. “There is also perfect coordination among security forces. The number of pilgrims, who paid obeisance to Lord Shiva, has already crossed 50,000,” he added.

According to Sinha, proper security arrangements are in place. Security agencies have flagged a higher threat perception for this year’s yatra.

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