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Srinagar, Sep 22 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir Government has fixed Rs 38 as freight charges for an apple box of 16 kg weight for its transportation from the valley to New Delhi, an official spokesman said today.

He said this has been done to prevent unjustified hike in freight charges for carriage of the fruit.

The rate would be applicable till October-end this year and later could be reviewed, the spokesman added.

The decision was taken at a joint meeting of the representatives of private transport companies and fruit grower associations.

Horticulture, PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Mohammad Dilawar Mir made it clear that the government would not tolerate any exploitation by any transport company.

The government would come down with heavy hands to curb attempts to exploit the fruit growers by creating artificial scarcity during peak season, the minister warned.

The minister directed police and law enforcing agencies to identify touts and deal with them sternly.

Mr Mir assured that the Jammu and Kashmir government will take up with Punjab Chief Minster Captain Amarinder Singh the issue of alleged harassment to transporters while crossing different check posts in the neighbouring state.

UNI AG PKS DS1505