Army doesn’t impede civilian movement along NH in J&K: Centre

New Delhi, Nov 29: The Centre on Friday informed Parliament that the Indian Army does not impede civilian movement on the National Highway, saying that the traffic regulation has been the responsibility of state authorities while the ambulances are being given priority by the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir.
Member of Parliament from Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi in a question had sought details about the frequent traffic stoppages on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway for Army and paramilitary movements and also whether ambulances are also halted.
He had also sought details on actions taken to address this issue and prevent human rights violations. In a written reply, the Union Minister of State for Defence, 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.
“The Indian Army follows detailed procedures for the movement of convoys with due emphasis on friendly move of the populace,” he said.
“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.
“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. Ambulances are always accorded priority for movement and they are not stopped anywhere by Security Forces,” he said. (KNO)