Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, May 12: After days of disruption caused by heightened border tensions, traffic has fully resumed on the historic Mughal Road following the recent ceasefire announcement along the Line of Control (LoC).
This development has brought relief to commuters and local businesses, which had been severely impacted by the prevailing situation. The Mughal Road, connecting the Kashmir Valley with the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu, had seen minimal vehicular movement in recent days due to fears of cross-border shelling.
Lying close to the volatile LoC, the route’s safety concerns kept travellers cautious, especially in Poonch. “We’re relieved that the ceasefire has been announced,” Bilal Ahmad, a transporter who frequently operates along the route, said. “We’ve resumed our services, but people are still cautious. It will take a few more days for full confidence to return.”
The reopening of the road has facilitated the movement of goods and people between the regions, providing vital relief to residents of remote areas who depend on this route for essential travel and trade.
Shopkeepers and hoteliers along the Mughal Road, particularly in Shopian’s Hirpora and surrounding areas, expressed optimism.
“The last few days were very difficult,” said Tariq Mehmood, a shopkeeper in Hirpora. “No customers, no traffic. Everything came to a standstill. Now that the ceasefire has been announced, we hope it holds and our businesses can bounce back.”
Historically, the Mughal Road was a significant trade route used by emperors and merchants. It often serves as an alternative when the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is closed, such as during recent landslides in Ramban.
However, locals remain apprehensive.
“We want the peace to last,” said Feroz Khan, a resident of Poonch. “Ceasefires have been broken before. We can only hope this one brings lasting calm.”
The Poonch and Rajouri sectors have suffered heavily due to cross-border shelling, with around 20 casualties, including an ADC Rajouri, in the past four days. (KNO)
