Karra Alleges ‘Economic Sabotage’ as NH Closures Hit Apple Trade

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra on Monday expressed strong concern over repeated closures of the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway during the peak apple harvest season, alleging that the disruptions were crippling the Valley’s economy and raising “serious doubts of economic sabotage” against the horticulture sector.

Addressing a party convention in Uri, Karra said the highway shutdowns, which coincide with peak fruit transport, suggest a “larger design” to weaken Kashmir’s backbone industry. “People doubt that whenever the fruit season is at its peak, road challenges occur. We should investigate whether there is a conspiracy to crush the economy of Jammu and Kashmir, be it horticulture, agriculture or other sectors,” he said.

Karra also reiterated Congress’s demand for immediate restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, calling its abrogation “unconstitutional.” He said the party deliberately chose to stay away from government formation despite extending “issue-based support” to the new administration. “We had promised statehood in our manifesto and until the rights of the people are restored, we will not be part of the government,” he said.

The Congress leader said the party would continue to highlight governance failures while providing outside support. “We will not compromise on the rights of the people. Under the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, Congress will raise its voice on every front where people’s economy or rights are being obstructed,” he said. (KNO)