The Ministry of Defence informed Parliament on Friday that the Indian Army does not block civilian movement on the National Highway, as traffic regulation is managed by state authorities, and ambulances are given priority by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister Sanjay Seth said that as part of drill, regular movement of convoys takes place between Jammu and Srinagar for various operational as well as administrative reasons.
He also said that the Indian Army follows detailed procedures for the movement of convoys with due emphasis on friendly move of the populace. “Owing to security reasons and to thwart incidents like attack/ambush of convoy in past, Road Opening Parties are sent out prior to the movement of any Security Forces Convoy.
Traffic is regulated, temporarily, particularly at points where laterals meet the NH 44 and at U Turns, during the movement of the Army/CAPF convoys,” he said.
He further said that the Indian Army does not harass or stop any civil movement on the National Highway.
“The charter of civilian traffic regulation is of the State authorities/Jammu and Kashmir Police,” he said, adding that Ambulances are always accorded priority for movement and they are not stopped anywhere by Security Forces.(KNS).
