16/09/2025
Highway Closure Bleeding Kashmir’s Economy, Says Molvi Imran Ansari
Ubaid Mehdi
Srinagar, Sep 16: Senior General Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC) and President of the All J&K Shia Association, Molvi Imran Ansari, on Tuesday expressed grave concern over the prolonged closure of the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway, calling it a crippling blow to Kashmir’s economy and livelihoods.
In a strongly worded statement issued on social media, Ansari said the highway—blocked since August 26 due to landslides and flash floods—is Kashmir’s “economic backbone.”
Thousands of trucks carrying apples and essential supplies are stranded, causing losses of ₹600–700 crore to orchard owners already. This is not politics, this is livelihoods at stake,” he remarked.
Taking a dig at the National Conference (NC) leadership, Ansari questioned the silence of its recently elected Members of Parliament.
Why hold press conferences in Srinagar? Why not go to Delhi, use your seats in Parliament, sit in protest if needed, and push for urgent action? Passing the ball back and forth is not leadership,” he said.
Ansari urged both the Centre and the J&K government to move beyond statements and take immediate measures, including air cargo services, expanded railway use, and alternative road links to safeguard Kashmir’s economy.
Our farmers are crying, our transporters are stuck, and our shopkeepers are struggling. Enough of statements. It is time for action,” he stressed.
The Srinagar–Jammu highway has remained closed for over three weeks, leaving the Valley cut off from vital supplies and markets. Fruit growers, particularly apple farmers, are among the worst hit, with mounting losses reported across the sector.
