Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari has demanded a priority of passage to fruit trucks on the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway. He also urged the federal government to ensure illegal apple import is stopped to save the domestic fruit industry.
During a press conference he said: “A week or so ago, we approached Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha and requested him to ensure that the road is thrown open for the halted trucks laden with perishable fruit. Thankfully, he directed the concerned officials to regulate these trucks on the highway. Last night, we were informed that the road is being cleared for the halted fruit trucks. I appreciate the efforts by the concerned authorities for throwing the road open for these trucks. But at the same time, I would like to ask them why they didn’t make some efforts 15 days ago and why they let these trucks remain halted for such a long period?’’
Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari expressed his deep concern over the flooding of untaxed Iranian apples into the Indian markets. “We see plenty of apples coming from Afghanistan into the Indian market. But the question is whether this fruit really comes from Afghanistan or not. And, does that country produce apples in such a quantity or not?”
Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari also requested Prime Minister Modi to intervene in the matter and to talk to Bangladesh leadership to ensure the neighboring country eases export duty on Indian apples.
Source: knskashmir.com