Govt Bans Civilian Traffic on J&K Highway Twice a Week
For the first time in 30 years, the Jammu Kashmir National highway will be shut to civilian traffic from 4 am to 5am twice a week.
Jammu Kashmir’s state government has decided to ban civilian traffic on the National highway from Baramulla to Udhampur in J&K. This ban will be imposed twice a week from 4 am to 5 pm. It will be applicable till 31st May 2019. The government has decided to impose the ban, so that convoys of security personnel can travel safely without being attacked by any terrorists groups during the election season. The government wants to make sure that a tragedy like the Pulwama attack does not occur again. In cases of emergencies where civilians need to use the highway, it will be up to the police and administrative officials to grant permission.
Many of the fruit growers in J&K are extremely unhappy with this ban. According to them more than 300 crore worth of fruits, especially apples, are stored in cold storage in South Kashmir. Due to the ban most fruits will not be transported in times leading to a severe loss. The travel agents association in J&K aid that the ban will have a serious effect on the tourist season. Kashmir does not have any alternative road connectivity. If the highways are shut, it will result in a shortage of essential supplies and delay patients who need to travel for medical treatment.
The National Conference Leader Omar Abdullah reacted to the ban and said, for the first time in 30 years the highway will be closed to civilian traffic.This is proof that PM Modi can not manage the security of J&K.
