For the first time, the Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered stopping of traffic on the 97-km national highway and halting train services in south Kashmir during daytime till the 45-day Amarnath Yatra concludes in the State, evoking sharp reactions.
According to an official handout of the Railways, no train will be available between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. from Qazigund to Banihal. “Before 10 a.m. and after 3 p.m., trains will be available between Baramulla and Banihal. After completion of the yatra, trains will be available all day,” the spokesman said.
In a separate order, the government directed that no civilian traffic will be allowed on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway from Qazigund to Nashri from 10 a.m. up to 3 p.m during the yatra period.
Cut-off time
In the past, authorities used to set a cut-off time for the vehicles carrying pilgrims from outside the State to reach the twin base camps in south and central Kashmir.
The unprecedented move has evoked sharp reactions from the civil society and political parties.
A spokesman of the Fruit Growers’ and Dealers’ Association said, “It will cause extreme hardship for those transporting fresh fruits, particularly cherry and plum, which are perishable items. The apple crop stored in cold storages will also get damaged.”
The association requested the Governor’s administration “to consider revocation of the orders”.
A delegation of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) met Divisional Commissioner Baseer Ahmad Khan to discuss the issue. “Tourists and persons associated with the tourism sector will face difficulties,” said KCCI member Nasir Hamid Khan.
J&K People’s Movement chairman Shah Faesal said the pilgrims were welcome to the “land of Shiva but the suspension of the train services must end”.
“In the past 30 years, it’s for first time that the national highway was closed for civilian movement. This curfew must end,” he said.
People’s Conference spokesman Adnan Ashraf said the decision was “unjustified”.
“Disrupting the lives of local people and tourists on the pretext of paving a safe way for the yatris would send a wrong signal to the people of Kashmir,” he said.
State Congress president G.A. Mir termed the move as “bizarre”.
“It should be revoked to ensure that people and tourists are not put to hardship,” he said.
Meanwhile, a new batch of 4,600 pilgrims left Jammu for Kashmir on Wednesday to perform the yatra. Till date, 11,456 pilgrims have paid their obeisance at the cave this year, officials said.
