MHA defends restrictions on J&K highway, says it will be only till May 31

NEW DELHI: Home ministry officials on Wednesday sought to counter the "deliberate and mischievous disinformation" campaign that the national highway in J&K had been closed to civilians, saying that the restrictions were only applicable for a period of 12 hours, two days of the week. Also, during the restriction period, alternative routes like old national highway and other internal roads were available for commutation of civilians without any hassles, said an officer.

"An impression is being created by some individuals that, the national highway has been closed for civilians. This is farthest from the truth," a home ministry official said adding that total duration of prohibition of civilian traffic on Jammu-Srinagar national highway effective from April 3 is for 24 hours, which is just 15% of 168 hours in a week.

"It may be recalled that restrictions were in place in J&K earlier also and are imposed from time to time in other parts of the country, for movement of the convoys of security forces," the officer pointed out.

While regulations for civilian traffic restrictions during the convoy movement were already in place, the J&K government has come out with a planned movement of security forces on national highway for a short 15-day duration i.e upto May 31, 2019, keeping in view the convoy efficiency and security of the personnel, particularly in the backdrop of Pulwama attack on 14th February 2019 and a similar unsuccessful attempt on 31st March 2019.

The restrictions have been re-imposed, after taking into account the requirements of students, patients etc and also ensuring minimum public hindrance said an official. A robust mechanism to facilitate the public by the administration for exceptions and emergencies has also been ensured, he added. Further, a mechanism has also been put in place to review these restrictions from time to time.

An officer complained that certain vested interests were raking up this issue with utter disregard to the precious lives of security personnel and without any consideration for national security.

These planned restrictions which came into force from April 3, 2019, have by and large stabilized and are being properly implemented by the state government without any inconvenience to public at large, claimed the officer.