Sopore, November 4: The Kashmir Fruit Traders Association (KFTA) President, Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, on Wednesday addressed the media and clarified that Sopore Fruit Mandi remains fully open and is functioning smoothly, urging all stakeholders associated with the fruit industry not to pay heed to confusion regarding its closure.
Speaking to media persons, Bhat termed yesterday’s decision regarding the closure of Sopore Fruit Mandi as wrong and unjustified, stating that such a decision could have adversely affected thousands of people whose livelihoods are directly or indirectly dependent on the fruit trade.
He emphasised that the mandi is currently open and operational, particularly during the ongoing festive season of Diwali and Chhath Puja, when smooth transportation and timely movement of apple consignments are crucial for the fruit industry.
The KFTA President also expressed his sincere gratitude to Sopore Police, particularly SSP Sopore Neha Jain (IPS), the District Administration and Sopore Civil Administration for their dedicated efforts in managing traffic over the past ten days.
He appreciated the continuous efforts made by the police and administration in facilitating the smooth movement of apple-laden trucks through the market, thereby helping reduce traffic congestion and ensuring uninterrupted transportation of fruit consignments.
Bhat also welcomed the opening of the Sopore Bypass Bridge on November 4, describing it as an important development that would further ease traffic congestion and provide relief to fruit traders, transporters and the general public.
He said that the coordinated efforts of the police and civil administration have played an important role in facilitating the movement of fruit-laden vehicles during the crucial apple trading season.
Meanwhile, the KFTA President appealed to all fruit growers, traders, labourers, transporters and other stakeholders associated with the fruit industry to continue their routine business activities without any fear or confusion.
He categorically reiterated that Sopore Fruit Mandi is open and functioning smoothly, with no major traffic congestion reported at present.
Bhat further urged all stakeholders to cooperate with the administration and maintain coordination to ensure the smooth functioning of the mandi and uninterrupted movement of apple consignments.
Concluding his statement, the KFTA President said that the interests and livelihoods of thousands of families associated with Sopore Fruit Mandi must remain a priority, adding that any decision affecting the functioning of the mandi should be taken after proper consultation with all concerned stakeholders.
“Our fruit mandi is open, business activities are continuing smoothly, and all growers, traders, labourers and transporters are requested to continue their work without any apprehension,” Zahoor Ahmad Bhat said.
