Protests erupted in health resort Sonamarg in Ganderbal district Monday afternoon against the alleged misbehaviour by chief executive councillor Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Kargil, Kachoo Ahmed Ali Khan, with the SHO Sonamarg.
Khan was travelling to Kargil by road on Monday.
“When he reached Sonamarg, he tried to take several vehicles along with him that had been stopped by police as the road is officially closed. However the SHO didn’t allow him, saying that the road has not been officially reopened yet and there are orders from the higher authorities not to allow any vehicle on the Srinagar-Leh highway from Sonamarg onwards,” an eyewitness said.
Eyewitnesses said that this infuriated the CEC who misbehaved and abused SHO Mir Afaq Ahmed and also tried to manhandle him.
Soon, dozens of people including shopkeepers, traders, transporters held a protest demonstration against the CEC, demanding action against him.
The people blocked the road near police station Sonamarg in protest.
“The CEC misbehaved with the SHO in front of us, this is very disturbing and unfortunate,” an eyewitness, Abdul Rashid, said.
The police officer said the CEC tried to forcibly take at least 50 light motor vehicles and a few load carriers along with him. “However, as the road hasn’t been declared officially open yet, I objected to him and said that no vehicle will be allowed till I receive any order from the higher authorities,” he revealed. “I have informed my higher ups about the issue.”
SSP Ganderbal, Fayaz Ahmed Lone, told Greater Kashmir, “It is an unfortunate incident, the matter has been brought into the notice of the higher authorities.”
Meanwhile, with the 434 km Srinagar-Leh highway remaining closed since December due to heavy snowfall in winters, Ladakh region is facing shortage of essential commodities.
“There is scarcity of vegetables, fruits and other edibles in entire Ladakh region,” locals in Kargil said.
“The Srinagar-Leh highway is the lifeline for Ladakh as it connects the region with the rest of the world. It should be reopened as soon as possible,” demanded chairman Legislative Council and MLC Haji Anayat Ali.
Haji Anayat Ali was today here to inspect the snow clearance work on the highway. He was accompanied by the chief executive councilor LAHDC Kargil, Kachoo Ahmad Ali Khan, deputy commissioner Kargil Haji Gulzar Hussain, SSP Kargil T Gyalpo, additional deputy commissioner Ganderbal Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari, SDM Kangan Mehraj Ahmed Shah and officers of traffic, civil and police administration from Kargil and Ganderbal.
Talking to Greater Kashmir Haji Anayat Ali said the snow clearance work on the highway “has been completed.”
However, he said he would request the divisional commissioner Kashmir to order the reopening of the road as soon as possible so that the fresh essential commodities reach Kargil and Ladakh.
Meanwhile, the Beacon authorities have said that the road is likely to be thrown open by first week of April.
“In view of the present pleasant weather and dry spell during winter, efforts are on to reopen the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh highway for vehicular traffic in the first week of April,” Director works BRO colonel Hooda told Greater Kashmir.