Kamal urges review of traffic restrictions on NH-44

Srinagar, Jul 24: National Conference (NC) Additional General Secretary, Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, on Thursday called for an urgent review of the ongoing traffic restrictions on National Highway 44 during the movement of Army convoys and Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, saying the concern resonates with thousands of daily commuters.Addressing party workers and functionaries at the NC headquarters, Nawa-e-Subha here, Dr Kamal said that although the security of jawans and Amarnath pilgrims remains a top priority, the severe hardships being faced by ordinary citizens cannot be brushed aside.”The protection of our paramilitary convoys and the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims is undoubtedly vital. However, the overarching principle of governance must be the larger public good. We cannot allow routine life to come to a standstill in the name of security,” he said.The NC leader voiced serious concern over the blanket halting of civilian traffic along the highway, saying it gravely impacts patients rushing to hospitals, students trying to reach schools and colleges, and government and private sector employees commuting to work. He said the prevailing system disproportionately affects the most vulnerable sections of society, turning basic travel into a daily ordeal.Dr Kamal urged the concerned authorities to reevaluate the current arrangements and devise a “more nuanced and people-centric” security mechanism. He suggested time-specific traffic regulation, enhanced coordination between agencies, and real-time communication with the public as possible solutions to mitigate inconvenience without compromising safety.