Srinagar, Sept 15: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday expressed strong concern over the prolonged suspension of heavy vehicular traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, saying the continued disruption has badly hit the Valley’s fruit industry.
The 270-km-long highway (NH44), a lifeline that connects Kashmir with the rest of the country, was closed for nine consecutive days following heavy rainfall last month. Though it reopened last week, movement has been restricted to light motor vehicles, leaving trucks and other heavy carriers stranded.
“This highway is not with me, it is with the Government of India. Had it been under our control, I would have ensured its reopening for trucks by now. If they (the Centre) cannot manage it, then they should hand it over to us,” Omar Abdullah told reporters.
Highlighting the plight of farmers, he said fruit growers and traders are facing heavy losses as their perishable produce is stuck in Kashmir. “I was repeatedly assured that the highway would be restored, but nothing has happened so far. After this programme, I will speak directly with Union Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari and press him for immediate restoration so that trucks can ply without delay,” the Chief Minister said.
Abdullah also pushed for alternatives to ease the burden, particularly through railways. “We are thankful for the one cargo parcel train that was ceremonially flagged off today. But one train is not enough. I will request the Union Railway Minister to increase the frequency of this service until the highway becomes fully operational,” he said.
In another political development, Abdullah welcomed the High Court’s directive restraining police from filing a chargesheet against Doda MLA Mehraj Malik, who was booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
“The court’s observations clearly show that the PSA detention of Malik was unjustified. The administration should accept its mistake and release the MLA. Let the investigation continue, but if there’s any evidence, the police must act in accordance with the court. For now, PSA detention should be revoked,” he remarked.(KINS)
