Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has strongly criticized the Central government over its failure to reopen the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway after landslides disrupted traffic for several days. He said the closure has caused heavy losses to fruit growers whose apple-laden trucks remain stranded, with produce rotting on the roadside.
Abdullah said the highway is the responsibility of the Centre, but since it has failed to keep the road functional, the matter should be handed over to the Jammu and Kashmir government. He announced plans to speak with the Union Minister for Highways to press for state-level control so the road could be restored quickly for truck movement.
Highlighting the scale of the crisis, Abdullah stressed the need for a continuous cargo train service dedicated to fruit growers. He recalled that while one ceremonial train was flagged off earlier, the service has not been maintained. He urged Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to ensure uninterrupted cargo trains to safeguard the interests of growers and traders.
In addition to his comments on the highway and transport issues, Abdullah welcomed the Supreme Court’s interim order staying parts of the Waqf Amendment Act. He called it a positive development that supported earlier claims of discrimination in the legislation.
On the recent High Court decision regarding MLA Mehraj Malik’s detention under the Public Safety Act, Abdullah said the ruling proved the arrest unjustified. He urged the government to release Malik immediately while continuing lawful investigations without misusing preventive detention laws.
