Srinagar, Oct 9: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday expressed deep concern over the extensive damage caused to crops and orchards by the recent hailstorm. He also expressed grief over a fire incident in Sempora, Sopore, where an apple storage shed was gutted, causing massive losses to the stored produce. He urged the authorities to assess the losses promptly and ensure adequate compensation and timely assistance for the affected farmers and orchardists.
In a statement, Bukhari said, “I am saddened to learn that the devastating hailstorm on Thursday has caused extensive damage to standing crops and orchards in several villages across North and South Kashmir, particularly in parts of Sopore and Shopian.”
He further said, “The damage to apple crops is especially heartbreaking, as it comes just weeks before the peak harvesting season, when orchardists were preparing to reap the rewards of their hard work.”
Apni Party President also expressed deep sorrow over the fire incident in Sempora, Sopore, where an apple storage shed containing harvested produce was gutted, resulting in substantial financial losses for the affected fruit grower. “Equally distressing is the fire incident in Sempora, Sopore, where a major apple storage shed filled with harvested produce was gutted following a short circuit in a power transformer amid rain and gusty winds. The incident has caused huge financial losses to the affected fruit grower,” he said.
Calling for immediate relief, Bukhari said, “I urge the authorities to assess the losses without delay and provide adequate compensation to the affected farmers and orchardists. They must receive timely assistance to recover from these losses and safeguard their livelihoods.”
