SRINAGAR: J&K health minister Sakina Itoo, in a letter to lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha, flagged the practice of closing off both ends of Srinagar-Anantnag-Kulgam-Qazigund national highway for civilian traffic during the movement of Army vehicles, stating that it was distressing to see ambulances stranded, students missing classes, and ordinary citizens waiting 15-30 minutes, sometimes even hours, for convoy movement.“What fault have our people committed to endure such hardships?” Itoo asked, urging the LG, who is in charge of law and order and security in the Union Territory, to “explore practical traffic management measures that uphold essential security protocols while ensuring uninterrupted passage for ambulances and minimising public inconvenience”.
Share your thoughts in the comments
Be respectful · TOI community guidelines
Following the Pulwama terror strike, Centre had issued directions restricting civilian traffic “for some time” to let security forces’ convoys pass on the highway. The opposition has raised the issue for a long time seeking a review.“Security is paramount, but so is the well- being of our people. Security and compassion must go hand in hand. Let governance be reflected not just in policies, but in the everyday lives of citizens through dignity, sensitivity and meaningful relief,” Itoo wrote.
