Accusations Fly After Sopore Fruit Mandi President, Aide to Agriculture Minister, Makes Controversial Statement
Suhail Khan
Baramulla, Sep 16: The Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the Baramulla constituency, Javid Hassan Baigh, has responded to a statement made by Sopore Fruit Mandi President Fayaz Ahmed Malik. Baigh stated that the criticism is part of a “game plan” to target Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over issues that fall under the central government’s jurisdiction.
In a post on Facebook as per the Web Story/The Varmul Post, the MLA stated, “It is very unfortunate and also part of a game plan to target Omar Abdullah on issues pertaining to the central government. Kashmiris have never allowed their own government to function peacefully. From Yousuf Shah till date, they have always dethroned their rulers and paved the way for outside rule. Mark my words, there will be a day when they will repent, but it will be too late. The beginning of our end has started; we will perish sooner than later.”
His comments refer to a peaceful protest at Asia’s second-largest fruit mandi in Sopore. The protest was led by the Agricultural Minister’s close aide and president of the mandi, Fayaz Ahmed Malik alais Kakaji who warned of a valley-wide strike. He demanded the elected government resign if it cannot save the fruit industry.
Addressing the protesters, Malik lashed out at the government: “If the Chief Minister cannot ensure the passage of fruit trucks, he has no right to sit in office. Resign if you can’t do anything.” He warned that growers would announce a valley-wide strike if the highway is not restored within 48 hours.
However, on Monday late evening, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted on X:
“Just spoke to Union Minister @MORTHIndia @nitin_gadkari Ji regarding the situation along NH 44 & the lack of connectivity with the rest of the country along this vital link.
The frustration of fruit growers is understandable. They have been very patient for the first few days but watching their hard work rot because @nhidcl is unable to stabilise the highway, their patience has worn thin & that is totally understandable.
Some concrete steps will be taken within the next 24 hours to address this problem but I will wait for that to happen before I say any more about the proposed plan of action.”
