‘We are fed up with highway horrors’ say voters in south Kashmir

Srinagar, Sep 18: Voters from south Kashmir Wednesday said that they are fed up over persistent issues along the Srinagar-Jammu highway, citing prolonged, unnecessary stoppages and the burden of toll plazas as major concerns affecting their daily commute and connectivity.
Mohammad Haris, a local voter outside a polling station in Bijbehara, told Rising Kashmir that residents face daily hardships due to prolonged stoppages along the highway caused by convoys, as well as the burden of toll plazas.
“The highway has become a major issue for the people of south Kashmir, and no one seems to be listening to our pleas. We hope the local government will address this problem,” he said.
Haris, a 35-year-old voter, said there should be proper timing of Army convoys, so that common people should not be harassed.
“I am voting for the dignity and development of south Kashmir, and I hope the promises made by political parties are fulfilled,” Haris added.
Sajad Ahmad, outside the Khanabal polling station, said that toll tax has become an unnecessary burden on the people of south Kashmir.
“It feels like every time we travel, we are being punished financially. This needs to be addressed if there is to be any real development in our region,” he said.
Sajad said the toll plaza has only worsened the situation. “If a cab driver earns 1,000 rupees a day, they have to pay 260 rupees to the toll plaza. It’s an injustice to the people,” he said.
Abdul Wajid, a tipper driver from Jawbrara, said that their village once had 1,500 trucks, but due to corruption along the highway, only 50 remain as a result of the government’s flawed policies.
“Twice, I was charged 3,700 rupees in challans. Multiple departments are involved in corrupt practices, and drivers are constantly being harassed,” he said.
Wajid said the new government should look at these issues, so that people will get rid of such issues along the NH44 and make it safe for all.