Karra for immediate restoration of alternative links
Srinagar, July 06 – Senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Tariq Hameed Karra has called for immediate operationalization of truck service on Srinagar- Muzafarabad and Poonch-Rawalakote roads to ensure availability essential commodities to the Kashmir valley in view of the economic blockade enforced by some fascist elements in Jammu.
In a statement issued here today, Karra said the continued enforced closure of the Pathankote-Jammu and Jammu-Srinagar highway by the BJP and its associates for the past one week has created acute scarcity of essential commodities and petroleum products in the Kashmir valley, Poonch, Rajouri and Doda regions and, unfortunately, the Government, instead of tackling the crisis is watching the situation like a mute spectator. "The enforced closure of the Srinagar-Jammu and Jammu-Pathankote highways is also adversely affecting the exports from Kashmir as hundreds of truckloads of fruit and vegetables are rotting in various parts of the Valley causing immense loss to the growers," he said.
Karra said in view of the continued economic blockade of the Kashmir valley, Poonch, Rajouri and Doda districts by the fascist elements, the only alternative to ensure smooth import and export of goods to and from these areas, is immediate operationalization of truck services on Srinagar-Muzafarabad and Poonch-Rawalakote roads. "If the fascist elements continue to run their writ, Kashmiris can't be left at their mercy and alternative links of communication and transportation to the Valley shall have to be restored, sooner the better," he said.
Acclaiming the unparalleled amity and harmony exhibited by Kashmiris during the recent protests against the diversion of land to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board by arranging free food for the Yatris, Karra said the BJP and its cohorts must learn a lesson in compassion and goodwill from the people of the Valley.
Quoting newspaper reports, Karra said the BJP, Shiv Sena and VHP activists are patrolling the Jammu-Srinagar highway to ensure that no Kashmir bound vehicle is allowed to pass through. He warned of dangerous consequences if the economic blockade against Kashmiris is not ended immediately. (Writer-South Asia)