Political parties in J&K, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and J&K Peoples Movement, on Monday approached the High Court on State Home department’s order to restrict civilian traffic twice a week on the national highway.
Peoples Conference’s chief Sajad Lone also wrote to Governor Satya Pal Malik.
The case was listed for Tuesday for a hearing.
“This illogical order banning movement of civilians is totally against the spirit of Article 19 and Article 21 of the Constitution,” said Mr. Faesal, who topped IAS examination in 2010 and quit services earlier this year to launch a political party, J&K Peoples Movement.
Senior PDP leader Naeem Akhtar also filed a PIL against the highway closure. “Senior Advocate Jehangir Iqbal Ganai has filed the PIL, which is likely to be considered by a Division Bench on Tuesday,” said PDP spokesman Suhail Bukhari.
Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone wrote to Governor Satya Pal Malik and sought its revocation.
The State government had from April 7 started imposing restrictions on civilian traffic twice a week on 271-km national highway in J&K and will continue till May 31.
Earlier in the day, the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry also demanded the revocation of curbs.
“Modifications to the order and establishing of helpline numbers have brought no relief. It is an unmitigated disaster for the common man and our economy,” said KCCI president Sheikh Ashiq.
Former Chief Minister and NC vice-president Omar Abdullah uploaded a video of the movement of a convoy carried out on Monday on the social media to argue against the ban. “I’m simply trying to highlight the point that the architects of the highway closure have made no application of mind. Somehow this convoy on the highway is safe today but it wouldn’t have been yesterday and won’t be on Wednesday,” wrote Mr. Abdullah.
