Srinagar, Sept 22: Pulwama MLA Waheed Para on Tuesday raised the issue of frequent restrictions on civilian movement along the National Highway in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, saying repeated stoppages during tourist, pilgrimage and security convoy movements have created a “sense of discrimination” among local residents.
Speaking in the House, Para said ordinary commuters are often made to wait for 10 to 15 minutes whenever security convoys, tourist movements or the Amarnath Yatra pass through the highway.
“Every day, whether it is tourists, the Yatra or a convoy, locals — the people who have given their land for the highway — have to wait for 10 to 15 minutes. It has become a huge sense of humiliation for all of us,” Para said.
He said VIPs often have their movement facilitated, while ordinary commuters face prolonged stoppages on a road used daily by thousands of people.
Para likened the situation to a “Berlin Wall”, questioning whether Kashmiris should continue to face restrictions on a highway that connects the Valley with the rest of the country.
“If today, even after 70 years, Kashmiris cannot travel on a highway along with the rest of the country, then somewhere this is a serious inequality,” he said.
Calling for the issue to be addressed at the highest level, Para said the government should engage with the Government of India, security agencies and the CRPF to find a solution.
He also called for a coordinated approach under the Unified Command, saying security concerns must be addressed without creating a sense of discrimination among local residents.
