• Modi sacrificing Kashmir’s horticulture for destructive development: Growers

Srinagar: Apple farmers in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama and Shopian districts have once again raised strong objections to a proposed railway line project, warning that it threatens to devastate their orchards and destroy their only means of livelihood.

According to Beyond the Time News, survey work for the project has already begun, with authorities erecting marking pillars across several villages without consulting local communities. The move has triggered widespread anger among growers, who say the project reflects New Delhi’s disregard for Kashmiri economic and environmental concerns.

Raja Abdul Waheed, a member of the District Development Council from Shopian, said the proposed alignment would cause irreparable damage to the region’s horticulture sector. “If this project is implemented, more than five lakh apple trees will be destroyed,” he said. “The railway line will pass through multiple villages and even threaten protected Chinar trees, which are part of Kashmir’s natural and cultural heritage.”

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Local residents said the Modi regime is prioritizing destructive infrastructure projects over the welfare of Kashmiris. Ghulam Ahmad Wani, an apple grower from Pulwama, said the orchards are the backbone of thousands of families. “This is our only source of income,” he said. “Destroying these orchards means pushing entire families into financial ruin.”

The proposed railway line has also drawn criticism from political figures. Shabbir Ahmad Kullay, a Member of the Legislative Assembly from Shopian, termed the project a “disaster for horticulture in the region,” warning that it would cripple Kashmir’s apple economy, which supports lakhs of people directly and indirectly.

Meanwhile, Peoples Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti criticized Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for maintaining silence on the issue. She said the lack of response reflects the authorities’ continued apathy towards the genuine concerns of Kashmiris and their livelihoods.

Farmers have vowed to continue their protest, demanding immediate suspension of the project and meaningful consultation with affected communities, warning that any attempt to force the project through will meet strong resistance.