Deeply distressing to see ambulances stranded, students missing classes during convoy movement in Kashmir: Sakina Itoo

J&K Cabinet Minister Sakina Itoo highlighted the inconvenience faced by locals during the movement of security forces. File | Photo Credit: Imran Nissar

J&K Cabinet minister Sakina Itoo on Friday (October 30, 2026) sought intervention of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to end stringent drills during the movement of security forces’ convoys in Kashmir.  

Ms. Itoo, who represents a constituency in south Kashmir’s Kulgam, in a post on X, highlighted the inconvenience faced by locals during the movement of security forces. After the Pulwama attack, security forces stop traffic on both tubes of the highway till convoys move.  

“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?” said Ms. Itoo.

She appealed to L-G Sinha 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.”

“Security is paramount, but so is the well-being of our people. Security and compassion must go hand in hand. Let governance be reflected not just in policies, but in the everyday lives of citizens through dignity, sensitivity and meaningful relief,” said Ms. Itoo. 

Published - October 31, 2026 03:10 am IST