Srinagar, Sept. 16 -- Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference President and Handwara lawmaker Sajad Lone criticised the administration over the prolonged closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, saying the issue had caused major losses to the apple industry.

In a post on X, Lone said it takes "hundreds of crores of losses in terms of rotting apples to wake up a wandering CM to actually issue a statement."

He said the apple industry forms the backbone of Kashmir's economy, and that an economy already affected by tourism losses is now facing heavy setbacks in horticulture as well.

Lone said that expression of concern from those in power was not enough. "Mere expression of concern from the ruling establishment is a luxury," he wrote....