Mughal Road closure adds to suffering of locals
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the complete closure of Mughal Road, a vital lifeline connecting Poonch and Rajouri districts with Shopian in south Kashmir, has left locals grappling with immense hardships.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the road has been shut for the past 21 days due to severe slippery conditions, with fresh snowfall over the last 48 hours worsening the situation.
A formal notification was issued by the District Magistrate of Poonch, ordering the road’s indefinite closure after a detailed report from the Traffic Police highlighted the challenges in restoring vehicular movement. The report cited increased frost and hazardous road conditions, deeming it unsafe for commuters.
The prolonged closure has disrupted the daily lives of residents in the region, cutting off access to essential services and trade routes. Farmers and small traders, who rely heavily on the Mughal Road for transporting their produce and goods, are particularly affected. Additionally, patients requiring medical attention in Srinagar or other urban centers face significant delays, compounding their woes.
“This road is not just a route; it’s our lifeline,” said a resident of Rajouri. “Every year, we face the same ordeal, but there seems to be no long-term solution to address the recurring closure of the road during winter.”
The Mughal Road, which serves as an alternative to the Jammu-Srinagar highway, has long been plagued by inadequate infrastructure and maintenance. Despite repeated demands from locals for timely snow clearance and installation of safety measures, authorities have largely failed to ensure the road’s usability during harsh winters.
The indefinite closure underscores the need for better connectivity and infrastructure to alleviate the suffering of residents in the area, who feel increasingly neglected by the administration.