KULGAM, May 17: The Jammu and Kashmir unit of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) on Saturday organised a public rally in Cholgam village of Kulgam district, raising strong demands for protection of the apple industry and local businesses, allotment of five-marla plots to landless families and free electricity for residents.
Addressing the gathering, J&K chief Manish Sahni said Kashmir’s traditional economy was facing a serious crisis and that apple growers, traders and people associated with horticulture and handicrafts were under economic pressure.
He said apple growers were struggling due to rising production costs, low market prices, transportation difficulties and lack of adequate government support. Sahni demanded a special economic package for apple growers and local industries, along with marketing support, cold storage facilities and easy loan schemes for farmers and youth.
He also called for the establishment of laboratories to check fake pesticides and sprays used in horticulture.
Highlighting local issues, Sahni said several villages in Kulgam and adjoining areas were still lacking basic infrastructure, including roads, healthcare, drinking water, education and employment opportunities.
The Shiv Sena leader strongly opposed the smart meter system and rising electricity bills, calling them an “economic burden” on the people. He demanded free electricity for residents, stating that Jammu and Kashmir produces electricity on a large scale yet people continue to face high bills and power shortages.
Sahni further urged the government to speed up the implementation of the five-marla land allotment scheme for landless poor families, labourers, widows and economically weaker sections.
During the rally, slogans were raised in support of farmers, free electricity and rights of landless families. Party leaders claimed that nearly 100 local residents joined Shiv Sena (UBT) during the programme in the presence of district president Mohammad Ashraf.
Several party leaders and workers, including Sanjay Bhatt, Raj Singh, Balwant Singh, Raju Kapoor, Aditya Mahajan, Shashipal, Farooq Ahmad Khan, Umar Yaqoob, Mushtaq Ahmad, Irshad Ahmad Khan, Sudarshan Singh, Abida Begum, Sumaiyera Begum and Naseer Ahmad, were present on the occasion.