Peoples Conference (PC) today slammed the state government decision to restrict civilian traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway and suspend train services during the Amarnath Yatra, urging the Governor administration to revoke the order at the earliest.
“The decision to impose restrictions upon the movement ofcivilian traffic on the 97-km stretch from Qazigund to Nashri and suspend trainservices between Qazigund to Banihal is unprecedented and unjustified. Whilethe safety and security of Yatris is paramount, it cannot be at the cost ofmaking the lives of people miserable”, PC spokesperson Adnan Ashraf Mir, in astatement today, said.
“This is the first instance of an administration restrictingcivilian traffic along the highway to facilitate smooth movement of Yatraconvoys. The Amarnath Yatra has been going on peacefully for centuries withoutany such restrictions on civilian movement. Kashmiris have always welcomed andfacilitated the successful conduct of this ancient pilgrimage, even during thetroubled times. Disrupting the lives of local people and tourists on thepretext of paving a safe way for the Yatris will send a wrong signal to thepeople of Kashmir”, the spokesman said. He said, “Apart from disrupting andinconveniencing lives of common people, the restriction will also derail theeconomy of Kashmiris, especially fruit and vegetable industry.”
“The ban will affect movement of fruit and vegetables trucksduring Yatra which will disrupt the horticulture industry. The government mustallow transportation of fruit trucks and other perishable items failing whichthe growers and dealers may face heavy losses”, he added.Urging the governor administration to addressheightened concerns on the traffic restrictions, the spokesman said,”Imposition of these restrictions is an anti-people step and must be revokedimmediately to save further hassle to the people of Kashmir.”