In the aftermath of Pulwama attack, the Jammu and Kashmir administration on Wednesday restricted all the civilian vehicle moment on the Jammu -Srinagar national highway for two days a week.
Civilian vehicles would not be allowed on the 300-km long highway on Sundays and Wednesdays between 4 am and 5 pm till May 31. The decision was taken keeping in mind the security of armed forces.
“Keeping in view the large movement of security forces on the national highway during the Parliamentary elections and associated possibility of any fidayeen terror attack on security forces’ convoys, the state government has notified specified days in a week for the movement of security forces from Srinagar to Jammu,” the government statement read.
On 14 February, a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden SUV into a CRPF convoy, killing 40 personnel.
The decision drew criticism from people and political leaders alike.
“Another 1st for the Modi government after the 1st ever delayed assembly election now this shocker – never before in 30 years has the national highway ever been closed for civilian traffic like this. It’s a glaring admission of failure to manage the internal security of J&K,” National Conference leader Omar Abdullah tweeted.
He also said the restriction would affect patients and school students. He also suggested that forces can travel between Banihal & Baramulla by special trains.
“I’ve made this suggestion before & in light of today’s highway closure order I feel the need to repeat it – why can’t the forces travel between Banihal & Baramulla by special trains? Quicker, safer & more comfortable for the security forces,” he said.