SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) Additional General Secretary, Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, on Thursday called for an immediate review of the ongoing traffic restrictions along National Highway 44 during the movement of Army convoys and Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, citing growing public inconvenience.
Addressing party workers at Nawa-e-Subha, the NC headquarters in Srinagar, Dr Kamal acknowledged the importance of security for both paramilitary forces and pilgrims, but said that civilian suffering must not be sidelined in the name of safety.
“The protection of our jawans and pilgrims is vital. However, governance must prioritise the greater public good. We cannot allow routine life to come to a standstill,” he said.
Dr Kamal expressed serious concern over the blanket halting of civilian vehicles during convoy and yatra movements, warning that the current system is causing severe disruption, especially for patients in need of urgent medical care, students attending schools and colleges, and employees commuting to workplaces.
He said the worst affected remain the vulnerable sections of society, for whom even basic travel has become a daily ordeal.
Calling for a more “nuanced and people-centric” approach, Dr Kamal urged authorities to explore alternatives such as time-specific traffic regulation, improved coordination between security and civil agencies, and real-time communication with commuters to ease the burden without compromising security.
