South Kashmir On Fire

How terrorists are burning down apple orchards and govt buildings to strike fear among local people

- Abhishek Bhalla

Terrorists in south Kashmir have come up with a new tactic to disrupt livelihood in the region--burning apples. On September 12, terrorists burnt a huge pile of Kashmir's famous golden apple variety in an orchard in Shopian, which has been one of the volatile areas since the Valley since Article 370 was abrogated.

Apple orchard owners who spoke to India Today TV say this is the latest tactic being used by terrorists to force people to refrain from selling their apples to retailers. Earlier, the terrorists had also burnt an entire government panchayat building in Kani Gam village, Shopian.

The recent spate of violence carried out by terrorists has struck fear among locals, who admitted that they have been threatened to not open carry out their businesses.

The owner of the apple orchard which was burnt down recently said he has faced a loss of at least Rs three to four lakh.