Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir): Jammu and Kashmir government relaxed restrictions on civilian traffic between Srinagar and Udhampur on National Highway-44 on Friday and lifted the restrictions between Srinagar and Baramulla on NH-44.
The restriction between Srinagar and Udhampur would now be applicable only for one day in a week.
Earlier the government had imposed restrictions on civilian movement on the National Highway (NH-44) connecting Jammu to Srinagar, in order to ensure adequate security to the movement of Security Forces’ Convoys while minimizing public inconvenience.
“The restriction on civilian movement between Srinagar and Baramulla on NH-44 will be completely lifted from May 2, 2019. There would be no prohibition on civilian traffic in this stretch on Sunday or Wednesday,” the press release by the government reads.
“The restrictions would continue between Srinagar and Udhampur on NH-44 as earlier. However, these would be reviewed periodically and relaxation would be made as the need for restriction reduces,” it added.
These restrictions became necessary following the large movement of security forces on an unprecedented scale after the Pulwama terror attack. These forces were required both for anti-militancy operations and for conducting general elections peacefully.
In order to facilitate unhindered and secure movement of Security Forces’ Convoys, the government had imposed a prohibition on civilian traffic on NH-44 from Baramulla to Udhampur twice a week, on Sunday and Wednesday, from 4 am to 5 pm.
The government is monitoring the convoy needs of security forces on a real-time basis and making all attempts to minimize public inconvenience. Earlier, the restriction on civilian movement between Srinagar and Baramulla on NH-44 was reduced only to Sunday.
Following the successful conduct of elections in Anantnag and Kulgam districts, the requirement of Security Forces is now reducing. Hence, the government decided to further relax the restrictions on traffic imposed.
The restrictions will continue to be reviewed on a real-time basis and modifications will be made as necessary in the coming days.
[source_without_link]ANI[/source_without_link]