Omar Abdullah grilled for downplaying month-long highway closure
Remarks seen as insensitive to Kashmiris’ suffering
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has come under sharp criticism in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir for trivializing the impact of the Srinagar-Jammu highway closure, which is expected to last nearly a month, with his remarks being described as insensitive to the suffering of stranded passengers and traders.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Omar Abdullah during his visit to Ramban admitted that restoration of Sringar-Jammu highway could take up to 25 days but downplayed. Critics termed the comment insensitive, arguing that thousands of stranded passengers, truckers, and fruit-laden vehicles face immense hardship, while essential supplies remain disrupted across the territory.
The highway, repeatedly blocked by flash floods, landslides and cloudbursts in Ramban district, is the lifeline of the Kashmir Valley. Residents said the “alternate routes” cited by Omar Abdullah are either unmotorable or highly unsafe, exposing travellers to further risks.
Observers said the statement reflects the indifference of pro-India politicians towards the plight of Kashmiris, as the highway closure is not merely a logistical issue but a severe blow to trade, healthcare access, and daily life in the besieged territory.
They pointed out that such casual remarks also help New Delhi mask its failure to build climate-resilient infrastructure in the fragile Himalayan zone, despite repeated disasters and warnings from experts.
Locals in Ramban and adjoining districts said the ongoing disruption underscores the larger vulnerability of IIOJK under Indian misrule, where people are left to suffer due to administrative negligence and political apathy.
