Only security forces convoys will be allowed on highway tomorrow: Traffic department

Srinagar: The strategic Srinagar-Jammu highway, the only surface link connecting Kashmir Valley with rest of the world, shall be closed for civilian traffic  ,however, security forces convoys shall be allowed to move on the thoroughfare ,an official from traffic department  said on Saturday.

Pertinently,   as per an order issued on April 3 ,by J&K govt ,according to which  the large movement of security forces on the national highway during the Lok Sabha elections and the associated possibility of any fidayeen attack on security forces’ convoys, the state government had notified specific days in a week for the movement of forces between Srinagar and Jammu.

“During these days, no civilian traffic would be allowed on the National Highway. To mitigate the inconvenience to civilians by this move, the government has notified two dedicated days in a week (Sunday & Wednesday) exclusively for the movement of Security Forces Convoys and there would be a complete ban on civilian traffic on the National Highway during these two days from 4 am to 5 pm,” read the order. According to the new order, the prohibition would be from Baramulla through Srinagar, Qazigund, Jawahar-Tunnel, Banihal, and Ramban till Udhampur.

“In the event of any requirement for local traffic movement for any emergency or for other purposes, the local administration and police would evolve necessary procedures for this as is done during curfew days. These restrictions would remain in force till 31st May 2019,” the order said.