SRINAGAR The strategic Srinagar-Jammu highway, the only surface link connecting Kashmir Valley with rest of the world, shall be closed for civilian traffic and only convoys of the government forces will be allowed to move on it on Sunday, traffic department said on Saturday.
Only SFs (security forces) convoy shall be allowed. No movement of any type of public vehicle shall be allowed on Jammu-Srinagar highway, a traffic department official said.
On April 3, the government banned civilian traffic from dawn to dusk for two days every week until May 31 on the Highway stretch from Udhampur in Jammu to Baramulla in North Kashmir to facilitate the movement of government forces convoys.
The measure has been adopted to facilitate unhindered movement of security forces’ convoys to eliminate the possibility of fidayeen attacks during the ongoing poll process, said government in an official order issued here.
The ban on civilian traffic would be effective from Baramulla to Udhampur through Srinagar, Qazigund, Jawahar-Tunnel, Banihal and Ramban, the notification said.
The ban would be in force on the two days from 4 am to 5 pm, it added.
In case of any emergency requiring passage of civilian vehicle, the police and administrative officials would take appropriate decisions in line with the provisions of movement of civilian traffic during curfews, the notification said.
Highway Ban: People Shouldnt Be Put To Inconvenience, Says Governor
Governor Satya Pal Malik on Saturday underlined that common people shouldnt be put to inconvenience as he chaired a high level meeting at Raj Bhavan Srinagar on Saturday.
After reviewing the prevailing security situation and arising challenges, Governor stressed the crucial importance of maintaining a sustained close watch on the ground situation. He emphasised on the need to maintain and improve synergy between the security forces and the civil administration and uncompromising adherence to procedures which ensure against collateral damages while delivering effective counter-militancy responses.
Governor especially stressed the need of a heightened vigil along the IB and LoC, providing adequate security to all protected persons and all important establishments and installations.
Governor observed that the common people should not be put to inconvenience on account of curbs imposed during the movement of security convoys and suitable framework be put in place so that there is no unnecessary restrictions on the travel of civilians especially in emergencies.
Governor underlined the importance of sustained efforts to bring peace and harmony in the society for the overall benefit of people.
The meeting was attended by K Vijay Kumar, Advisor to Governor; B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Umang Narula, Principal Secretary to Governor; Shaleen Kabra, Principal Secretary Home; Lt. Gen. KJS Dhillon, GOC 15 Corps and Baseer Khan, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir.
Landslides Close Highway
Srinagar: The Srinagar-Jammu highway, the only surface link connecting Kashmir Valley with rest of the world, was closed due to landslides amid rains on Saturday.
Reports said that the traffic on the way towards Jammu from Srinagar was stopped by authorities on Saturday morning following landslides at Anokhifall in Ramban.
SSP Highway Traffic confirmed that at around 10:00 a.m., there were massive landslides which blocked the highway at Anokhifall.
He said that road clearance operation was under way to restore the traffic on the thoroughfare.
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