CPI(M) protests in Kulgam demanding relief for orchardists

Kulgam, Sept 06: Scores of activists from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) staged a protest in Kulgam on Friday, demanding immediate relief for orchardists affected by recent hailstorms and strong winds in south Kashmir’s Kulgam and Shopian districts.
The demonstrators marched through Kulgam bazar, carrying banners and placards. The protest concluded at the District Commissioner’s office, the party said in a statement issued here.
The protesters voiced their concerns over the lack of adequate support for local orchardists whose crops were severely damaged by the adverse weather conditions. They called on the government to quickly assess the damage and provide compensation to the affected fruit growers.
A key demand from the protestors was the implementation of the Crop Insurance Scheme for horticulture. “The absence of this scheme has left orchardists vulnerable to financial losses due to natural calamities. The scheme would offer crucial financial support in times of crop failure and natural disasters, thereby safeguarding the livelihoods of the fruit growers,” said a protester.
The protest was addressed by several Kisan leaders, including Mohamad Afzal Parry, Zahoor Ahmad Rather, Bashir Ahmad Wani, Nazir Ahmad Bhat and Mohammad Abas Rather, who urged the government to intervene and support the affected orchardists and farmers.