Islamabad: In Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, fruit markets observed a complete shutdown on Monday in protest against authorities’ failure to ensure smooth passage of fruit-laden trucks on the Srinagar-Jammu highway.

According to Radio Pakistan, the protest paralyzed trade across Sopore, Handwara, Shopian, Kulgam, and Islamabad markets. The shutdown was a direct response to the ongoing difficulties faced by fruit traders due to frequent disruptions and blockages on the highway, which is a crucial route for transporting produce.

Senior APHC leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, in a statement issued in Srinagar, expressed solidarity with the growers. He emphasized the importance of resolving the issue swiftly to prevent further economic losses for the agricultural community in the region.