Demanding immediate withdrawal of ban on the movement of civilian traffic on the 270-km-long Srinagar-Jammu highway on Sundays and Wednesdays, CPI (M) leader M Y Tarigami Saturday 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 onthe movement of civilian traffic on the highway twice a week would have seriousrepercussions. “The Governor’s administration must revoke the ban immediatelyand find an alternative for the safe passage of security forces convoys,” hesaid.
Tarigami said that the decision must have been taken by thegovernment as a security issue, but why should be the issues of patients,students, employees, businessmen, and others who will suffer hugely due to thisban left unattended?
“This highway is the only road link that connects Kashmirwith rest of the country. This is completely choking the freedom of movementfor lakhs of residents as it will restrict people from going to jobs and willhalt business activities. How will patients move? It is unheard-of in recenthistory,” he said.
“The ban will not only deprive patients of reaching tohospitals on time but is also bound to dent the Valley’s horticulture industryand tourism. There is a large chunk of apples stored in cold storages, whichrequires urgent transportation to a various destination in the country. Theapple crop will be hit badly by the ban. Besides, it will also delay thechemical treatment of orchards. The ban is unjustified and will make small-timefarmers suffer,” said Tarigami.
“The ban will also have serious implications for upcomingtourist season as it will only add to the woes of tourists and pilgrims. Thereis no alternative road connectivity to Kashmir and tourists would skip cominghere. It will also result in a shortage of essentials as the Valley is entirelydependent on the supplies of essential items from outside,” he added.
He said that similarly, employees, who have to reach totheir offices, will have to observe a holiday when traffic restrictions wouldbe at place on the highway. And what will students do, who have to attend theirschool, colleges and universities on the day there is a ban on the movement oftraffic on the highway?
“The biggest sufferers would be patients, who need immediatetreatment, as instead of going to hospitals, they have to go to districtmagistrate’s office for getting a pass to travel on the highway. A patientcan’t wait till a pass is issued as in some cases it can prove disastrous andlife-threatening,” said Tarigami.