Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said the proposed India-US trade deal would severely harm Jammu and Kashmir’s traditional economy, particularly the Valley’s horticulture and dry fruit sectors.
Speaking to reporters outside the J&K Assembly in Jammu, CM Omar, per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said allowing duty-free imports of American produce would have devastating consequences for local growers dependent on crops such as almonds, saffron, apples and kiwis.
“You can see the text being circulated — tree nuts, dry fruits, fresh fruits, dairy. These are very important sectors for us. We do not have a marine industry or marine produce. We rely on dry fruits, almonds, saffron, apples, kiwis and similar crops,” the Chief Minister said.
“If all these products come duty-free from America, Jammu and Kashmir will definitely suffer. That is why people are angry. We have simply stated facts,” he added.
Omar said while the trade deal may benefit other regions, Jammu and Kashmir would only incur losses. “I cannot say who will benefit, but as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, I am speaking for my people. We will get no benefit from this Indo-US trade deal — only loss,” he said.
Responding to BJP criticism of his remarks, the Chief Minister said there was no question of an apology. “BJP can apologise if it wants; I don’t care. It is their own fault. Maybe if they had let me speak, I would have withdrawn or clarified my words differently,” he said.
He also took aim at Opposition leaders, accusing them of “selective patriotism.”
“Those who talk about the Constitution and Ambedkar could not even attend the Republic Day function. The Leader of Opposition, who lectures us on nationalism, left halfway through the event. I am not going to sit in functions and give lectures on patriotism,” Omar said.
On the administration’s role in facilitating the annual Amarnath Yatra, Omar rejected claims that it was being done under pressure.
“When have we not facilitated the Yatra? Kashmiris have always carried pilgrims on their shoulders to the holy cave. The Yatra is not possible without Kashmiris,” he said. “Our people discovered the cave and have always supported the pilgrimage. We will continue to do so.”
Responding to a question on a cricket match involving Pakistan, the Chief Minister said, “Those who do not have the strength to stand behind their threat should not make one. Let them come and play, and whatever happens in the match will happen.”—
