Kashmir’s Fruit Mandis shut down in protest against Pahalgam tragedy

Srinagar: In a strong show of solidarity with the families of the victims of the Pahalgam massacre, the Kashmir Fruit Growers and Dealers Association (KFGDA) announced the closure of all fruit mandis across Kashmir today. The association joined the valley-wide bandh to protest the killing of 26 civilians, most of them tourists, in Tuesday’s brutal attack.

Speaking to Ziraat Times, Chairman Bashir Ahmed Basheer said, “We strongly condemn the barbaric attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam. As a mark of protest and in solidarity with the grieving families, all fruit mandis across Kashmir have been shut today.”

He further urged the government to launch a thorough and time-bound investigation into the incident and ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.

The closure of mandis—critical to Kashmir’s horticulture economy—comes during the peak trading season for spring fruits. The move highlights the depth of public anguish and unity in denouncing the violence that has rocked the valley.

Fruit mandis in Sopore, Anantnag, Shopian, Baramulla, Pulwama, and Parimpora (Srinagar), which normally bustle with activity at this time of year, wore a deserted look today.