SRINAGAR: After days of disruption caused by heightened border tensions, traffic has fully resumed on Mughal Road following the recent ceasefire announcement.
The development has brought relief to commuters and local businesses, which had been affected by the prevailing situation. The Mughal Road, which connects the Kashmir Valley with the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu, had seen minimal vehicular movement in recent days due to fears of cross-border shelling.
Lying close to the LoC, the route’s safety concerns had kept travellers cautious, especially in Poonch. “We’re relieved that the ceasefire has been announced,” said Bilal Ahmad, a transporter who frequently operates along the route. “We’ve resumed our services, but people are still cautious. It will take a few more days for full confidence to return.”
The reopening of the road has allowed the movement of goods and people between the regions, providing essential relief to residents of remote areas who depend on the route for travel and trade.
Shopkeepers and hoteliers along the Mughal Road, particularly in Shopian’s Hirpora and nearby areas, expressed cautious optimism.
“The last few days were very difficult,” said Tariq Mehmood, a shopkeeper in Hirpora. “No customers, no traffic. Everything came to a standstill. Now that the ceasefire has been announced, we hope it holds and our businesses can recover.”
Historically, the Mughal Road served as a significant trade route used by emperors and merchants. It often acts as an alternative when the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is closed, as during recent landslides in Ramban.
However, locals remain concerned.
“We want the peace to last,” said Feroz Khan, a resident of Poonch. “Ceasefires have been broken before. We can only hope this one brings lasting calm.”
The Poonch and Rajouri sectors have witnessed heavy losses due to cross-border shelling, with around 20 casualties, including an ADC Rajouri, reported in the past four days. (KNO)
