Excelsior Correspondent
KULGAM, Apr 6: While calling for immediate withdrawal of ban on the movement of civilian traffic on the 270-km-long Srinagar-Jammu national highway, CPI (M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami today said the explanation of Divisional Commissioner Kashmir that “there will be no blanket ban on movement of civilian traffic on the highway” is unsatisfactory and confusing.
Addressing a party convention in Kulgam, he said the ban on the movement of civilian traffic on the highway twice a week would have serious repercussions. “The Governor Administration must revoke the ban immediately and find an alternative for the safe passage of security forces convoys. The decision must have been taken by the Government as a security issue, but why should be the issues of patients, students, employees, businessmen and others who will suffer hugely due to this ban left unattended?” he said.
“The ban will not only deprive patients from reaching to hospitals on time but is also bound to dent the Valley’s horticulture industry and tourism. There is a large chunk of apples stored in cold storages, which requires urgent transportation to various destinations in the country. The apple crop will be hit badly by the ban. Besides, it will also delay the chemical treatment of orchards. The ban is unjustified and will make small-time farmers suffer,” he added.
Reminding that there is no alternative road connectivity to Kashmir and tourists would skip coming the Valley, Tarigami said that it would also result in shortage of essentials. Besides students, he added, the biggest sufferers would be patients, who need immediate treatment, as instead of going to hospitals, they will have to go to District Magistrate’s office for getting a pass to travel on the highway.
“There must be clarity on these issues and Government must find an alternative to it before imposing the ban,” he stressed and suggested that the convoy movement timings must be devised so as there is no inconvenience to general public. There is a need to fine-tune the standard operating procedure (SOP) for the movement of security forces convoys so as there is no clash with the movement of civilian traffic, he added.
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