Sopore, Aug 18: Asia’s second-largest Fruit Mandi has become the centre of a dispute between two rival fruit traders’ bodies, with mandi president Fayaz Ahmed Malik urging authorities to act against those allegedly attempting to disrupt its functioning. He said the livelihood of thousands is linked to the mandi’s uninterrupted operations.
President of the Fruit Mandi Sopore (Kashmir Fruit Growers and Dealers Association), Fayaz Ahmed Malik @ Kaka Ji said that the Association, registered in 1979, had been working for the welfare of the Fruit Mandi and its associates.
Malik’s remarks came after a general council meeting of the association was allegedly disrupted by some individuals.
He urged SSP Sopore to take cognisance of the incident and register an FIR against those allegedly involved. He also sought verification of their past records.
“Those who disturb the Mandi operations should think 100 times before doing so,” Malik said, adding that any disruption could have a wider impact on the functioning of the Mandi and the livelihood of thousands associated with it.
He said the Association was ready to provide any details sought by the administration in the interest of the Fruit Mandi. At the same time, he urged authorities to act swiftly against elements attempting to disturb peace and disrupt operations.
Sopore Fruit Mandi is a major horticulture trading centre in Jammu and Kashmir and serves as an important link between fruit growers and the wider market. Its functioning supports thousands of growers, traders, commission agents, transporters, labourers, packers and other people directly and indirectly associated with the fruit trade.
Meanwhile, Zahoor Ahmed Bhat, president of a newly formed body functioning parallel to the Kashmir Fruit Growers and Dealers Association, said he had no personal grudge against Malik.
Bhat called for accountability and fair means in the functioning of the Mandi body, saying that if Malik could prove himself right, they would stand by him.
He also urged mandi associates not to be misled amid the ongoing dispute.
The rival positions have brought the functioning and representation of the Sopore Fruit Mandi into focus, with both sides calling for accountability while urging that the dispute should not affect the normal functioning of the mandi and the livelihoods linked to it—(KNO)
