The ongoing highway halts enforced by security forces on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, particularly during the shorter days of winter, have emerged as a severe inconvenience for travelers. This is especially true for those commuting between South Kashmir and Srinagar. While national security remains an uncompromising priority, the struggles of government employees, patients, students, and other travelers highlight the urgent need for a more thoughtful and balanced approach.
In the biting cold, travelers often find themselves stranded for extended periods at multiple points along the 50-kilometer stretch. A journey that should take just 50 minutes frequently stretches to over two hours or more, leaving commuters frustrated and exhausted. The lack of clarity regarding delays exacerbates the issue, causing immense physical and emotional distress. Patients in need of medical care, students heading to classes, and government officials on duty are among the worst hit, left to endure these disruptions with no alternative in sight.
The situation demands immediate attention and corrective measures. One solution could be the allocation of specific days or dedicated time slots for security convoys to minimize disruptions during peak travel hours. This would allow civilians to plan their journeys more effectively. In the long term, the construction of an alternate highway exclusively for military use could significantly reduce civilian inconvenience. Such infrastructure would ensure the smooth movement of security forces without interfering with daily civilian commutes.
Beyond convenience, this is a matter of restoring dignity to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who deserve to travel freely without feeling like hostages on their own roads. As an elected government assumes office, addressing this issue should be among its top priorities. It is imperative to create a collaborative framework between security forces and civil administration, ensuring that the needs of both security personnel and citizens are met.
The time to act is now. With thoughtful planning and decisive action, this problem can be turned into an opportunity to showcase how security and civility can coexist, fostering trust and harmony between governance and the people. The goal must be clear: no citizen should feel trapped on the roads that connect their lives.
