The decision of Jammu and Kashmir government to ban civiliantraffic movement for five hours daily on a 97-km stretch from Qazigund toNashri on the national highway for 46-days during Amarnath yatra has sparked afresh row in the insurgency-hit Himalayan state. On Tuesday, the NorthernRailways also decided to suspend train services between Qazigund and Banihalfrom 10 am to 3 pm, starting July 3 till completion of ongoing Amarnath Yatra.

Politicians and people have questioned the decision sayingit will create hurdles for locals. Former IAS officer Shah Faesal, who resignedfrom the service earlier this year, to launch his own party “Jammu and KashmirPeople's Movement” said that in last 30 years for the first time the nationalhighway was closed for civilian movement for the annual yatra. “First time inlast 30 years SXR-JMU NH was closed to civilian traffic during elections. Nowclosed again for Yatra. Those signing orders to stop movement of locals mustremembr that there wl b a day of reckoning. We welcome Yatris to land of Shiva.But this curfew must end (sic),” he tweeted.

Regional National Conference (NC) general secretary andformer minister while decrying the restrictions said the measure is “regressiveand will put the people to undue duress.”