Sopore, Sept 13, 2025: A peaceful protest was organized today at Asia’s second-largest fruit mandi in Sopore to highlight the grave impact of the ongoing blockade on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. The protest drew traders, growers, and workers, who gathered to demand urgent intervention from authorities to address the crisis.
Fayaz Ahmad Malik, President of the mandi association, spoke to the media about the escalating situation. He expressed deep concern over the plight of thousands of fruit-laden trucks stranded due to the highway blockade. According to Malik, the delays are causing massive financial damage, with estimated losses between ₹1,000 and ₹1,200 crore.
“Perishable goods such as apples, Pears and other fruits are rotting daily. Immediate action is needed to clear the highway and allow these trucks to move toward Jammu,” Malik appealed, urging the government to intervene swiftly.
He further requested Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to announce a two-day traffic clearance window dedicated to vehicles transporting fruits and other perishables toward Jammu, which would provide some relief to growers and traders.
Malik also called for the restoration of rail services from Sopore, emphasizing that the region’s economy heavily depends on fruit exports. “Sopore plays a crucial role in the horticulture sector, and disruptions in transportation are pushing growers to the brink of bankruptcy,” he remarked.
The protest concluded peacefully with participants urging prompt government action to prevent further economic and social hardship in the region.
