Highway closure: CM Omar talks to Union Minister Ghadkari
Says concrete steps in next 24hrs to address fruit growers’ problems
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that some concrete steps will be taken in the next 24 hours to address the problems of fruit growers after he spoke with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
Taking on to micro-blogging platform X, the CM wrote, “Just spoke to Union Minister @MORTHIndia @nitin_gadkari Sb regarding the situation along NH 44 & the lack of connectivity with the rest of the country along this vital link.
The frustration of fruit growers is understandable. They have been very patient for the first few days but watching their hard work rot because @nhidcl is unable to stabilise the highway, their patience has worn thin & that is totally understandable.
Some concrete steps will be taken within the next 24 hours to address this problem but I will wait for that to happen before I say any more about the proposed plan of action, the CM posted.
The 270 km-long Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44) was closed for nine consecutive days following heavy rainfall last month. It was reopened last week, but only for light motor vehicles.
Due to the closure of the highway for trucks and other heavy vehicles, fruit farmers are not able to transport their goods, resulting in losses.
“The highway is not with me, it is with Government of India. Had it been with us, I would have had it opened (for heavy motor vehicles) by now. If they (Centre) cannot manage it, they should give it to us,” an agitated Abdullah told reporters earlier during the day.
He said he was told several times that the highway would be restored soon, but nothing has happened.
“After this programme, I will speak to Union highway minister Nitin Gadkari and ask him for restoration of the highway at the earliest so that the trucks can ply,” he said.
Abdullah said he would ask the railway minister to increase the frequency of the cargo parcel trains.
“We are thankful for the one cargo parcel train that was ceremonially flagged off today. But one train is not enough. I will request the Union railway minister to increase the frequency of this service till the highway becomes stable,” he said.
Asked about the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh restraining police from filing a chargesheet against MLA Mehraj Malik, Abdullah said it indicates that the PSA detention of the legislator from Doda was not justifiable.
“…(LG administration) should admit it’s mistake and release the MLA. As the court has said, let the investigation continue, and if there is anything found during the investigation, the police should take court into confidence. As of now, going by the court observations, the PSA detention of Malik should be revoked,” Abdullah said.
The CM also welcomed the Supreme Court’s stay on the Waqf bill.
“This bill aimed to bring only properties of community under the purview of act. It is good that the Supreme Court has seen through this,” he said. (with inputs from PTI)
