SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 15: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said he would take up the issue of full restoration of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44) with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, stressing that prolonged restrictions on heavy vehicle movement were causing huge losses to fruit growers and traders.
The 270-km highway remained closed for nine consecutive days following heavy rains last month. Though it was reopened last week, the movement of trucks and other heavy vehicles continues to be barred.
“The highway is not with me, it is with the Government of India. Had it been with us, I would have had it opened for heavy motor vehicles by now. If they cannot manage it, they should give it to us,” Abdullah told reporters, expressing frustration over repeated delays.
He said he had been assured several times about restoration, but no concrete action had been taken so far. “After this programme, I will speak to Union minister Nitin Gadkari and ask him for immediate restoration so that trucks can ply,” he added.
The Chief Minister also urged the Union Railway Minister to enhance the frequency of cargo parcel trains. “We are thankful for the one cargo parcel train that was ceremonially flagged off today. But one train is not enough. I will request the Union minister to increase the service until the highway stabilizes,” he said.
On the High Court order restraining police from filing a chargesheet against detained AAP MLA Mehraj Malik, Abdullah said the judgment indicated that his detention under the Public Safety Act (PSA) was not justified. “The LG administration should admit its mistake and release the MLA. Let the investigation continue, and if something is found, the police can take the court into confidence. But for now, as per court observations, the PSA detention should be revoked,” he maintained.
Abdullah also welcomed the Supreme Court’s interim stay on the Waqf Bill, saying, “This bill aimed to bring only properties of one community under the purview of the Act. It is good that the Supreme Court has seen through this.”
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