Jammu and Kashmir Health Minister Sakina Itoo has raised concerns over ambulances being stranded and students missing classes due to traffic restrictions during security force convoy movements along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.
Itoo has urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and security authorities to introduce practical traffic management measures that ensure the uninterrupted passage of ambulances while maintaining essential security protocols.
In a post on X, Itoo said she was distressed by the hardships faced by commuters while travelling on the Srinagar-Anantnag-Kulgam-Qazigund stretch of the highway.
“While travelling frequently on the Srinagar-Anantnag-Kulgam-Qazigund National Highway, it is deeply distressing to see ambulances stranded, students missing classes and ordinary citizens waiting 15-30 minutes, sometimes even hours, for convoy movement. What fault have our people committed to endure such hardships?” she wrote.
While travelling frequently on the Srinagar–Anantnag–Kulgam–Qazigund National Highway, it is deeply distressing to see ambulances stranded, students missing classes and ordinary citizens waiting 15–30 minutes, sometimes even hours, for convoy movement. What fault have our people…
— Sakina Itoo (@sakinaitoo) October 30, 2026
The minister said security arrangements should also account for the needs of ordinary citizens, particularly patients requiring urgent medical attention.
“I earnestly appeal to @OfficeOfLGJandK and @manojsinha_Sb and the concerned authorities to explore practical traffic management measures that uphold essential security protocols while ensuring uninterrupted passage for ambulances and minimising public inconvenience,” she said.
“Security is paramount, but so is the well-being of our people. Security and compassion must go hand in hand,” Itoo added.
Traffic Restrictions During Convoy Movement
Civilian traffic is frequently regulated along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway during the movement of security force convoys, disrupting daily commutes for students, office-goers, labourers and other travellers.
The restrictions were tightened following the February 2019 Pulwama terror attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy.
In April 2019, authorities introduced designated convoy days on National Highway 44, restricting civilian movement for several hours on specified days. The blanket restrictions were later withdrawn following criticism over the hardships caused to residents, although traffic regulation during convoy movement has continued.
In 2024, the Union government told the Lok Sabha that civilian traffic is temporarily regulated at various locations during security force convoy movements.
The government has said ambulances are given priority by the Army, while regulation of civilian traffic falls under the civil administration and Jammu and Kashmir Police.
Itoo’s remarks have brought renewed attention to the difficulties faced by commuters, particularly patients and their families, during convoy movements.
Security and law and order in Jammu and Kashmir fall under the Lieutenant Governor’s administration following the region’s transition into a Union Territory in August 2019.
