The state human rights commission (SHRC) Friday sought a response from the state authorities to the controversial order banning movement of civilian traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar-Baramulla highway for two days a week to facilitate movement of forces’ convoys.
Taking suo-moto cognisance of the order issued by the statehome department, the commission directed the state authorities to file theirresponse before it on the next date of hearing.
“In the first instance, notice be given to the chiefsecretary, divisional commissioner Kashmir and inspector general of police(traffic), Kashmir, for filling a detailed report,” read the order issued bythe commission.
Due to the government’s decision to ban civilian traffic onthe highway, school-going children, patients, government and private employeesand other masses and civilians will not be able to reach their destinationswell in time, the commission noted.
On April 3, the state home department ordered that Sundaysand Wednesdays shall exclusively be dedicated for movement of forces’ convoysalong the Jammu-Srinagar-Baramulla highway and no civilian traffic shall beallowed from 4 am to 5 pm on these days till May 31, 2019.
“This prohibition would be from Baramulla through Srinagar,Qazigund, Jawahar tunnel, Banihal and Ramban till Udhampur,” the governmentorder read.
The order evoked sharp criticism from civil society members,traders’ community, and politicians cutting across political lines andideologies.
“Government of India’s current approach towards Kashmir hasbeen consistent only when it comes to repression. Suffocate Kashmiris, throwthem in jails, deprive them of basic rights and make them suffer. They onlywant Kashmir. Don’t give two hoots about what happens to its people,” PeoplesDemocratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti wrote on her Twitter handle.
Joining the chorus, former J&K chief minister andNational Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah wrote: “Has anyone in theadministration applied their minds before planning to issue this highwayclosure order? Jammu and Kashmir is not Chhattisgarh or Andhra Pradesh wherethere are alternate routes. Here if you close the national highway you shutdown all access to the valley. This is a lifeline”.