Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi Critiques Centre's Response on Convoy Movement and Civilian Harassment

Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, a Srinagar Lok Sabha member, criticised the Centre's response to his parliamentary question. He accused the government of lying about the harassment faced by people on the national highway during security forces' convoy movements. Mehdi expressed his concerns on X, stating that the government's reply was filled with "blatant lies."

Mehdi shared the Centre's response along with photos and videos allegedly showing ambulances being halted during convoy movements on the Srinagar-Jammu highway. He aimed to expose what he described as falsehoods by providing video evidence. The MP had questioned the defence minister about whether traffic, including ambulances, is frequently stopped for Army or paramilitary convoys.

Security Convoy Movements and Traffic Regulation

In response, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Sethi explained that convoy movements between Jammu and Srinagar are routine for operational and administrative purposes. He stated that the Indian Army follows detailed procedures to ensure a friendly movement of convoys among the populace. Road Opening Parties are deployed before any security convoy moves to prevent incidents like attacks or ambushes.

The government clarified that traffic regulation occurs temporarily at specific points where lateral roads meet NH 44 and at U-turns during Army or Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) convoy movements. The Indian Army does not stop civilian movement on the highway, according to Sethi. The responsibility for regulating civilian traffic lies with state authorities or Jammu and Kashmir Police.

Concerns Over Ambulance Movement

Mehdi also questioned whether ambulances are stopped by security forces during these convoy movements. The minister assured that ambulances receive priority and are not halted by security forces anywhere on the highway. This assurance was part of the written response provided by Sethi.

The Srinagar MP further inquired about measures taken or proposed by the government to end this practice, which he described as humiliating and a violation of human rights. His questions highlighted ongoing concerns about the impact of security operations on civilian life in the region.

The issue raised by Mehdi underscores a broader debate about balancing security needs with civilian convenience and rights. The government's response aimed to address these concerns while maintaining that necessary security protocols are followed during convoy movements.