Army does not harass civil movement on Jammu- Sgr NH: Centre informs LS

SRINAGAR: The Ministry of Defence said Friday that the Indian Army does not harass or stop any civil movement on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway; further, ambulances are always accorded priority for movement or not stopped anywhere by the Security Forces.
Member of Parliament Srinagar Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi raised a question whether it is a fact that the traffic on the highway is stopped multiple times at multiple places at every few kilometres for the army or paramilitary movement on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway; if so, the details thereof.
Replying to the question, Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence Sanjay Seth said as part of the 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.
A question was also raised whether it is also a fact that not only normal traffic but also the ambulances are also stopped by the security forces; and if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to stop this humiliating practice which also violates the human rights?
Replying to question, the minister 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.
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 given priority for movement, and they are not stopped anywhere by security forces, he said.
Reacting to the response of centre, Srinagar Lok Sabha member Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi said that the reply was "full of blatant lies".
"I asked government of India to stop the harassment of people and blockading of traffic, including ambulances on Srinagar-Jammu national highway during the convoy movement of the security forces This is their response -- full of blatant lies," Mehdi said in a post on X.
He posted the Centre's response to his questions as well as some photos and videos purportedly showing ambulances being stopped during the convoy movement on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway.
"Also sharing some video evidence in the thread to expose their lies," he said.

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