Highway Shutdowns in IIOJK: A Symptom of Deeper Neglect

The suspension of civilian traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu Highway once again exposes the glaring infrastructural neglect and the continued marginalization of Kashmiris under Indian occupation.

Today, civilian traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu Highway has been completely halted under the pretext of “essential repair and maintenance.” While Indian authorities present this as a routine administrative measure, the repeated and sudden closures reveal a far more troubling pattern of disregard for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Officials announced that there would be no vehicular movement between the NAVYUG Tunnel and Nashri stretch of the highway. Meanwhile, commuters have been redirected towards alternative routes like the Mughal Road and SSG Road. However, these detours are already notorious for poor maintenance, unpredictable closures, and safety hazards, making them an inadequate substitute for the primary highway.

The shutdown underscores a deeper reality: the basic infrastructure in IIOJK has been systematically ignored and underdeveloped. For decades, critical roads such as the Srinagar-Jammu Highway have been subjected to patchwork fixes instead of comprehensive, lasting improvements. In an occupied territory where mobility is already heavily restricted by checkpoints and security lockdowns, sudden highway closures add yet another layer of hardship for an already besieged population.

Moreover, the lack of proper communication regarding these shutdowns only amplifies public frustration. While authorities issued a generic advisory asking commuters to “plan accordingly,” little was done to assist travelers who may now face hours-long detours on poorly managed routes. This speaks volumes about the absence of real administrative accountability in IIOJK.

Enforcement during these shutdowns also reflects a heavy-handed approach. Traffic authorities, while warning against overtaking to prevent congestion, often resort to aggressive policing instead of providing supportive traffic management. Rather than facilitating movement, their presence frequently creates additional bottlenecks and stress for ordinary citizens.

The Srinagar-Jammu Highway is not merely a road; it is a lifeline connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the region. Disruptions to this route affect the delivery of essential goods, emergency services, and the daily lives of thousands. Yet, the frequency with which authorities shut it down—often citing vague or poorly planned “maintenance”—reveals how little regard is given to the welfare and dignity of Kashmiri civilians.

At its core, this shutdown is not just about road repairs. It is a symptom of the broader political and infrastructural neglect imposed on IIOJK by the occupying regime. Until there is genuine investment in IIOJK’s infrastructure—and an end to policies rooted in control rather than care—the people of IIOJK will continue to suffer under an unjust system that treats them as an afterthought.