5 hrs ago
J&K MLAs Urge Review of Security Restrictions on Highway
Two lawmakers in Jammu and Kashmir discussed delays on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway.
They said local people are often stopped when security convoys, the Amarnath Yatra or tourists use the road.
These stops can make people wait for 10 to 15 minutes.
Waheed Para said locals feel humiliated and unfairly treated.
Abdul Majeed Larmi said the problem has continued since the Pulwama incident.
He asked the Assembly to send a recommendation to the central government.
The lawmakers said they support security forces doing their jobs.
They also asked that sick people and children be allowed through when possible.
PDP MLA Waheed Para raised security-related highway restrictions during the Assembly’s Zero Hour.
Para said convoy, pilgrimage and tourist-season stoppages force locals to wait 10 to 15 minutes.
He described the restrictions as discriminatory and humiliating, comparing them to a “Berlin Wall.”
National Conference MLA Abdul Majeed Larmi supported a recommendation or resolution to the Centre.
Both MLAs said security remains necessary but urged exceptions and consideration for sick people and children.
- Who
- PDP MLA Waheed Para and National Conference MLA Abdul Majeed Larmi raised the issue in the Assembly.
- What
- They called for a review and relaxation of security-related restrictions and stoppages on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway.
- Where
- On the Srinagar-Jammu national highway, particularly in South Kashmir.
- When
- The issue was raised on September 22 during the Assembly’s Zero Hour; the report identifies the day as Tuesday but gives no year.
- Why
- The MLAs said frequent stoppages cause discrimination, humiliation and hardship for local residents, while acknowledging that security arrangements are necessary.
Review and Relax Restrictions
Maintain Necessary Security
Civilian movement
Review and Relax Restrictions
Waheed Para and Abdul Majeed Larmi said recurring stoppages unfairly burden local residents and should be reviewed.
Maintain Necessary Security
The lawmakers acknowledged that restrictions are connected to security duties and that security arrangements remain necessary.
Handling emergencies
Review and Relax Restrictions
Larmi urged authorities to allow people with emergencies, particularly sick people and children, to pass.
Maintain Necessary Security
The report does not provide a direct response from security agencies or the central government on emergency passage.
Responsibility for change
Review and Relax Restrictions
The MLAs called for the Assembly and elected government to approach the Centre, security forces and Unified Command.
Maintain Necessary Security
Larmi acknowledged that the local government cannot directly handle the matter because it pertains to the Home Department.
Key facts
- Main issue
- Security-related stoppages and restrictions affecting civilian movement on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway.
- Reported waiting time
- Locals are allegedly forced to wait 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Reasons for restrictions
- Security convoys, the Amarnath Yatra and the tourist season.
- Waheed Para’s request
- He urged the elected government to raise the matter with the Unified Command, the Centre and security forces.
- Abdul Majeed Larmi’s request
- He proposed that the Assembly send a recommendation or pass a resolution urging the Centre to act.
- Security position
- Both lawmakers acknowledged that security is necessary and said they were not opposed to security forces performing their duties.
- Vulnerable travelers
- Larmi specifically asked that sick people and children be spared unnecessary delays.
Quotes
Abdul Majeed Larmi
National Conference MLA who supported Para’s call for an Assembly recommendation
“The government must take this up with the Government of India, with the security forces, with the CRPF. I think all of us need to raise this issue: this discrimination on the highway must end, and it should be taken up with the Unified Command”
theprint.in
“Ever since the Pulwama incident occurred, from then until today, we have been suffering”
theprint.in
Sources
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