Indian occupied Kashmir is one of the world’s largest apple growing regions, the lockdown imposed by the Indian government has dramatically affected the state’s special constitutional status and has cut transport links with buyers in India and abroad, fruit growers and traders say, plunging the industry into turmoil.
The federal government action has disrupted the economy, further fuelling resentment in the Muslim-majority territory where an armed revolt against India rule has flowed over 30 years.
a town known locally as “Little London” for its lush orchards, big houses, and relative affluence, was deserted, its gates locked.
The trade of apple is one of the most prominent contributors to the economy. Nearly 3.5 million are involved in this trade which is almost half of the population of Kashmir.
Reuters reported that the government said the immediate priority was to prevent an eruption of violence in Kashmir, where more than 40,000 people have been killed since 1989, and that curbs are slowly being eased, including the opening up of landline phones.
According to sources, the government has promised rapid economic development and plans an investor summit later this year to attract some of India’s top companies to the region, create jobs and lure young people away from militancy.
The farmers are facing an economic meltdown in the region; according to sources the military has forced the traders to keep the shops remain closed.
