Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 17: National Conference (NC) additional general secretary and former Minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today voiced serious concern over the complete halt of thousands of trucks on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway following its closure due to unprecedented rains, landslides, flash floods and cloudbursts.
In a statement, Sadhotra described the prevailing situation as “no less than a national emergency” and urged the Centre to immediately pool all available resources and work in close coordination with the Omar Abdullah-led Government for the earliest possible restoration of connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir regions.
He said the calamity has caused heavy loss of lives, widespread destruction of dwelling units and property, besides bringing normal life to a grinding halt. Stressing that the restoration of the highway must be treated as a national priority, he called for a coordinated effort involving the J&K administration, National Highways Authority of India, Border Roads Organization, National Disaster Response Force and other agencies to deploy men and machinery round the clock for clearance operations.
Appreciating Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for directly taking up the issue with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Sadhotra said this demonstrates the seriousness of the state leadership. He expressed hope that the Centre would respond with urgency to ensure immediate restoration of connectivity.
Highlighting another key concern, the NC leader praised Abdullah’s initiative of facilitating transportation of Kashmiri apples through special freight trains and sought further enhancement in both frequency and number of trains to safeguard the Valley’s horticulture economy.
Sadhotra further warned that the blockade has led to disruption in the supply of essential commodities, including foodgrains, medicines, petroleum products and other necessities, to the Valley and hilly belts of Jammu. Terming it an alarming situation, he said the human suffering caused by the disruption cannot be ignored. He urged both Centre and state governments to intervene on a war footing to alleviate the distress of the affected population.
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