‘If threats continue, we will provide security cover to growers, packaging process of apples’
Srinagar, Sept 12 : Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Thursday said the administration will provide security to apple growers in-case threats against them by elements persist.
He said such elements will be punished sternly. He also said the government will also provide security to growers during packaging of the fruit. Four persons including a two-year old girl was fired upon by gunmen recently in Sopore area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district triggering a fresh wave of fear among the apple growers.
According to wire service Governor Malik was speaking at the Horticulture department where Market Target Intervention Scheme (MTIS) was launched by the J&K administration in Srinagar. The Governor in his initial speech praised Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, stating that in their absence, Khan tackles every situation in a well manner.
He said that the step taken by New Delhi was historic and history is witnessed that historic steps are not rolled back. “I can tell the people of Kashmir that there is a huge sympathy for them from the people of Delhi. Whatever you will demand, you will be given,” Governor Malik said addressing fruit growers at the Horticulture department in Srinagar.
Malik, however, said that those (unidentified gunmen) who are issuing threats to the fruit growers should refrain from their acts otherwise, J&K administration will be left with the no option to provide security cover to the growers. “Let me tell you that if those who even didn’t spare the minor girl of Sopore, continue to give threats to the growers, we will provide security to the growers and entire apple packaging process will be done under a proper security cover,” the Governor said.
He while elaborating the scheme said that the fruit growers of Kashmir doesn’t need to go to the Mandis now and instead they would see their apples getting packed under the scheme right at their door steps.
“Jammu and Kashmir produces, 75 per cent of apple in the entire India. The total produce is 20 lakh metric tons of apple that fetches Rs 8000 crore,” he said. “Seven lakh farmers will be benefitted by this scheme. I urge the Chief Secretary of J&K to ensure that the scheme remains a permanent feature of the governance.”
(KNO)
