Traffic restrictions on Jammu-Srinagar highway to end next week

The Jammu and Kashmir government announced on Tuesday that there would be no restrictions on civilian traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway from May 27 onwards.

In the aftermath of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack, the state government had banned movement of civilian traffic on the national highway on Wednesdays and Sundays to secure the passage of convoys of security forces.

These restrictions were later reduced to only Sundays.

An official statement said here today, "Following a review of the security situation in the state and of the requirement of security forces convoys, the Governor has decided to lift the remaining restrictions on civilian movement on the National Highway (NH-44) connecting Jammu to Srinagar with effect from Monday, 27.5.2019."

These restrictions had become necessary following the movement of security forces on an unprecedented scale after the Pulwama attack. The forces were required both for anti-militancy operations and for smooth conduct of general elections.

After a detailed review with all security agencies, civil and police administration in connection with the preparations for the Amarnath Yatra, the Governor directed that there should be no restriction on civilian movement on NH-44 from May 27.

--IANS

sq/kr