SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference expressed its dismay over the restrictions on traffic movement during LG Manoj Sinha’s visit to Kupwara. They stated that the resulting traffic jam had severely inconvenienced numerous commuters.
Reflecting the concerns of the people of Kupwara, Party’s Provincial President and In-Charge of Constituency Kupwara, Nasir Aslam Wani, and District President Kupwara, Qaisar Jamsheed Lone, highlighted that the traffic restrictions imposed due to the LG’s visit had particularly affected school-going children and patients.
“There is no prior precedent for such a practice. Holding public mobility hostage because of a high-profile visit in this manner goes against the fundamental rights that have been upheld by honorable courts throughout the country in their judgments,” they said. “It is inhumane to force schoolchildren, ambulances transporting patients, and elderly commuters to wait for hours. Instead of alleviating the challenges faced by the district, the LG’s visit only exacerbated the difficulties faced by our people. The administration should strike a balance between the security needs of VIPs and the constitutional rights of citizens. Authorities should ensure that citizens are not inconvenienced due to such visits.”
They further emphasised that the LG’s movement should not be a source of trouble for commuters. “The administration is obligated to safeguard the basic and fundamental rights of our people. It is expected that the administration will take corrective measures to prevent traffic disruptions during VIP movements. The constitutional rights of ordinary citizens must be protected at all costs,” they added.
