Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, more than one thousand trucks carrying fruits and other perishable goods worth crores of rupees have been stranded due to the week-long closure of the Srinagar-Jammu highway, causing huge losses to Kashmiri farmers and fruit growers. The blockade follows heavy rains that triggered landslides and mudslides in Udhampur.

According to Radio Pakistan, the closure, at the peak of the harvest season, has left traders fearing colossal financial losses as the perishable produce rots in stranded vehicles. The closed highway threatens a loss of around two hundred crore rupees to the Valley's fruit economy.

Highlighting the urgent need for alternatives, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference has historically advocated the opening of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road and other traditional cross-LoC trade routes to boost Kashmir's economy. It has stressed that opening the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road would allow for the export of local produce, such as fruit from the Valley, to Muzaffarabad and Pakistan, thereby directly benefiting the Kashmiri economy.

The demand also aligns with the APHC's broader goal of facilitating intra-Kashmiri interaction and dialogue to achieve a lasting solution to the Kashmir dispute. Meanwhile, authorities have issued a flood alert after the water level in the Tawi river in Jammu rose above the danger mark. People living in low-lying areas have been advised to stay vigilant.

Heavy rains have also triggered fresh cracks on the Ramban flyover, adding to fears of further road collapses.