Srinagar, Sep 27: In the final phase of the assembly elections, various constituencies in Kashmir will focus on horticulture and border tourism as key poll agendas.
Following the first two phases, elections for 40 assembly segments in phase 3 are scheduled for October 1, including 17 in the Kashmir Valley and 23 in the Jammu division.
Sopore, located in North Kashmir, is known as the “Apple Town of Kashmir” due to its substantial apple production. Many residents are involved in this industry. The people of Sopore are determined to vote for a party that presents a concrete plan to safeguard the apple industry.
Farmers in Sopore are also demanding insurance coverage for crop damage caused by inclement weather.
During an election rally in Sopore on Wednesday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed the issue.
He said, “People are eating apples from foreign countries, but I want this apple to go to America. If this apple is to reach Japan and America, the first step has to be the restoration of statehood. Without this, it is not possible.”
Mohammad Abdullah, a fruit grower from Rafiabad, stressed the need for a 100 percent tax on imported apples and other fruits.
“We send our apples to Bangladesh, where the government imposes a 100 percent tax. Similarly, we want India to impose the same tax on apples coming from Iran, Turkey, the United States, and other countries. Jammu and Kashmir is the largest producer of apples in India, and the industry runs year-round. The government must take action to support this vital industry, which employs thousands of people,” he said.
The NC in its election manifesto, promised to protect agriculture by advocating for restrictions on the import of apples into J&K. The party also pledged to raise the minimum assessment value of imported apples and increase the minimum support price for domestic farmers.
In Gurez, a border assembly constituency, the people have long demanded the construction of a tunnel to create an all-weather road between Bandipora and Gurez, which remains cut off from the rest of the world for at least four months due to snowfall.
“Every summer, lakhs of tourists visit Gurez, but during winter, the road is closed. If a tunnel is constructed, tourists can visit year-round, and we will be able to sustain our livelihoods during winter,” said Mohammad Iqbal, a resident of Gurez.
Gulmarg is another significant constituency in terms of tourism. Political parties have pledged to bring Gulmarg onto the international tourism map. Locals are demanding that areas beyond Gulmarg, such as Botapathri and Khillanmarg, be developed for easier access.
Similarly, Uri constituency, a border area, relies heavily on agriculture and tourism. Some residents are also employed by the Indian Army. Locals have requested better infrastructure, including improved roads and guest houses, to attract more tourists.
They have also urged the government to improve facilities, suggesting, “The borders in J&K should be developed like the Wagah-Attari border in Punjab.”
