Srinagar-Jammu NH closed for traffic

Srinagar, July 19: Traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained closed for the second consecutive day today due to tension in Ramban district where four persons were killed and several others injured in a firing incident.

The highway has been closed for vehicular traffic as a precautionary measure, a spokesman of the Traffic department said. Traffic on the highway was suspended yesterday after protests at Ramban, Ramsu and Banihal against the killings.

Although stranded vehicles were allowed to move towards their destinations at 6.00 pm last evening after curfew was imposed in Ramban district, no vehicles were allowed today, the spokesman said. Officials said authorities are monitoring the situation and a decision to allow traffic on the highway - the only road linking Kashmir with rest of the country - will depend on the emerging law and order situation.

Four persons were killed yesterday when security personnel opened fire at a mob that had gathered at a BSF camp in Ramban district to protest against alleged manhandling of an Imam of the area by the force. PTI