Jammu, Apr 20 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Government on Saturday ordered that there would be no prohibitions on civilian movement between Srinagar and Barahmulla on Wednesday while restrictions would continue between Srinagar and Udhampur National Highway as earlier.
“The restriction on civilian movement between Srinagar and Baramulla on NH-44 would now be limited only to Sunday from April 22 and there would be no prohibition on civilian traffic on Wednesday,” official spokesman here said.
The spokesman further said that the restrictions would continue between Srinagar and Udhampur on NH-44 as earlier, adding, “however, these would be reviewed periodically and relaxation would be made as the need for restriction reduces”
The Government earlier this month, had imposed restrictions on civilian movement on the National Highway (NH-44) connecting Jammu to Srinagar, in order to ensure adequate security to the movement of Security Forces’ Convoys while at the same time minimizing public inconvenience.
Even on the days of restrictions, i.e. Sunday and Wednesday between Srinagar and Udhampur and on Sunday between Baramulla and Srinagar, the local administration would continue to facilitate movement of civilian traffic as has been happening in the last two weeks, he added.
“Further, the local administration and police would examine the possibility of allowing public transport of JKSRTC to move during the period of restriction on the NH even on convoy days,” said the spokesman.
There has been a large movement of security forces on an unprecedented scale after the Pulwama terror attack. These forces were required both for anti-militancy operations and for conducting general elections peacefully.
The spokesman added that a complete review of restrictions on the Highway would be done after the last phase of elections to examine the need for continuing with them.
The Government also stated that the purpose of these restrictions is in the larger interest of security of everyone and appealed the people to extend full cooperation in the smooth regulation of traffic and added, “the Government is alive to the needs of people and inconvenience caused to them while being cognizant of the needs of security forces”.
The restrictions will be reviewed on a real time basis and modifications will be made as necessary in the coming days, he added.
UNI VBH PS 2235