After Ruhullah raises issue, Centre says Army doesn’t impede civilian movement in J&K

Srinagar, Nov 29: The Centre informed Parliament on Friday that the Indian Army does not impede civilian movement on the National Highway. The government stated that traffic regulation is the responsibility of state authorities, while security forces in Jammu and Kashmir always give priority to ambulances.

Member of Parliament from Srinagar’s Lok Sabha constituency, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, had raised concerns regarding frequent traffic stoppages on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway for Army and paramilitary movements. He also questioned whether ambulances were being halted during these stoppages.

Additionally, he sought information on the actions taken to address this issue and prevent human rights violations. In a written response, Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, explained that regular convoys of the Army and paramilitary forces move between Jammu and Srinagar for both operational and administrative purposes.

“The Indian Army follows detailed procedures for the movement of convoys with due emphasis on the safe passage of the populace,” he said.

“Due to security reasons, and to prevent incidents like attacks or ambushes on convoys in the past, Road Opening Parties are deployed ahead of any security forces convoy movement. Traffic is temporarily regulated, particularly at points where lateral roads meet NH 44 or at U-turns, during the movement of Army/CAPF convoys,” he explained.

“The Indian Army does not harass or stop any civilian movement on the National Highway. The regulation of civilian traffic is the responsibility of the state authorities and the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Ambulances are always given priority, and they are never stopped by security forces,” he added. (KNO)