Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said he will take up the issue of restoring full traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, as fruit growers and traders continue to suffer losses due to the ban on heavy vehicles.
The 270-km-long highway (NH44) had remained closed for nine days last month following heavy rains. Although reopened last week, it is currently restricted to light motor vehicles only.
Abdullah said the continued suspension of truck movement has badly hit fruit farmers. “The highway is not under my control, it is with the Government of India. Had it been ours, I would have already allowed heavy vehicle movement. If they cannot manage it, they should hand it over to us,” he told reporters.
He added that despite repeated assurances, the highway has not been fully restored. “After this programme, I will speak to Union Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari and urge him to ensure immediate restoration so that trucks can ply,” Abdullah said.
The Chief Minister also announced he would request the railway minister to increase cargo parcel train services. “We are grateful for the one train flagged off today, but that alone is not sufficient. I will ask for more trains until the highway situation stabilises,” he said.
On the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court’s order restraining police from filing a chargesheet against MLA Mehraj Malik, Abdullah said it showed that Malik’s PSA detention was unjustified. “The administration should accept its mistake and release him. Let the investigation continue, and if anything emerges, the police can approach the court. For now, the PSA should be revoked,” he said.
Welcoming the Supreme Court’s stay on the Waqf Bill, Abdullah said, “This bill was aimed only at community properties. It is good that the Supreme Court has intervened.”
