Many PDP leaders detained for bid to protest seeking insurance for hail-hit apple orchards in Kashmir

Several leaders of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were allegedly detained in South Kashmir’s Shopian on Sunday (August 16, 2026) when they made a bid to hold protests to push for a comprehensive crop insurance scheme for apple orchardists in Kashmir.

Former PDP legislator Aijaz Ahmad Mir, who was among those detained in Shopian, has been advocating for inclusion of apples and cherries under a comprehensive Crop Insurance Scheme. 

“Farmers affected by recent hail storms and other natural calamities should be granted full compensation. Farmers need 100% subsidy on anti-hail nets to protect orchards from future weather-related losses,” said Mr. Mir.

Horticulture is the mainstay of the economy in south Kashmir, with Shopian, Kulgam and Pulwama emerging as major apple-exporting hubs. “The horticulture sector is the backbone of our economy, and our farmers deserve protection, security, and justice,” said Mr. Mir.

Mr. Mir was allegedly detained by the police at his residence in Zainapora. “Detaining voices will not silence the suffering of thousands of growers who depend on horticulture for their livelihood. We will continue our peaceful and democratic struggle for our demands. I stand firmly with the growers of Shopian and Kashmir. Their issues deserve attention, not detention,” said Mr. Mir.

The PDP protests came just two days after a hailstorm impacted apple orchards of Shopian and Kulgam districts. According to the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers Union, growers were facing distress due to the destruction inflicted on orchards. “For many farmers in south Kashmir, crops constitute their primary source of livelihood,” said Bashir Ahmad Basheer, chairman of the Union.

Meanwhile, the PDP appealed to the police to release all the detained leaders and workers at the earliest.