Banihal, Jul 06 (KNS): Condemning the government decision of imposing restrictions on the movement of civilian traffic including tourist vehicles on the Jammu-Srinagar highway especially Qazigund to Nashri strech and suspension of train services during Amarnath Yatra, National Conference leader and District president Ramban Haji Sajjad Shaheen has said that the Yatris have always been welcomed by the people of Kashmir and have always facilitated its smooth conduct and lend support to it but it is unfortunate that the local people are subjected to harassment and inconvenience as the highway is shut down for them on one pretext or other.

He further said, that by barring the movement of the people on NHW, does the state administration want to convey that the fundamental righ are not applicable to the state of J&K or that the administration has the power to suspend these rights at its whim and caprice?

While addressing party's monthly meeting at the party's central office in Banihal which was attended by prominent party functionaries of District, block including the youth wing of Banihal constituency, Shaheen said that such diktats besides causing great inconvenience to common people, impact the trade and tourism industry especially those dealing in perishable items like fresh fruit and vegetables.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Questioning the logic behind the decision that seems to have been taken without proper application of mind is set to lead to massive socio-economic problems in the landlocked Kashmir Valley.

“It will not only affect the local people immensely but tourists as well, who are visiting Kashmir these days, albeit in less numbers. The ban will make a huge impact on transporters, students, teachers, patients, schools, tourists and traders as well and as such the government must review this decision,” Shaheen added.

“No doubt security of Amarnath pilgrims is important and the decision must have been taken by the state administration as a security issue. But why should be the issues of common people who will suffer hugely due to this order left unattended?” Shaheen added. (KNS)