Srinagar, February 8 The People's Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday claimed that the India-US trade deal would spell doom for the economy of Jammu and Kashmir if no tariffs are imposed on the import of agricultural and horticultural goods from the United States.
"They have not considered the impact of the India-US trade deal on the horticulture sector of Jammu and Kashmir. There will be zero tariffs on agricultural products imported from the US. What will happen to the apples and walnuts produced in Jammu and Kashmir?" PDP spokesman Mohammad Iqbal Trumboo told reporters here.
Commenting on the budget for Jammu and Kashmir presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the PDP leader said it was unremarkable and failed to provide solutions for the issues plaguing the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
"There is nothing in this budget to address unemployment, which is a major issue in Jammu and Kashmir," he said.
Citing examples, Trumboo said that the Jammu and Kashmir government was bearing losses of up to Rs 72 crore per year on account of operating electric buses under the Smart City project.
"This government is paying crores to Tata Motors for operating the e-bus service. The free bus ride has destroyed the private transport sector in Jammu and Kashmir. The local transporters are facing problems and no attention has been paid to them," he added.