Thousands Left Helpless on Srinagar-Jammu Highway Amid Harsh Weather

As cold wind tightens its grip on IIOJK, a humanitarian crisis unfolds on the Srinagar-Jammu highway, leaving thousands stranded in freezing conditions without basic necessities.

Thousands of people, including patients, tourists, and truck drivers, remain stranded on the Srinagar-Jammu highway as cold winds and harsh weather conditions continue to worsen in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Due to heavy snowfall and road blockades, all transport services have been disrupted. With no shelter, no food, and no official rescue efforts, those affected are left to endure freezing temperatures in desperate conditions.

Among the stranded is Mukhti Begum, a paralyzed patient being brought back from PGI Chandigarh by her family. They managed to secure a room in a low-cost hotel but are now struggling to cover basic expenses. Her son, Muhammad Aslam, voiced concerns over the lack of government assistance, especially for people with health conditions.

“There are at least 12 more patients staying in nearby accommodations,” he said. “The government should consider airlifting critical patients stuck in this crisis.” Many patients from Kashmir (IIOJK) frequently travel outside the region for treatment of serious and chronic illnesses. For them, this halt is more than just an inconvenience—it is a matter of life and death.

Social media and news reports have shown disturbing videos of people camping at bus stands and railway stations in Jammu and Udhampur, with many going without meals for days. Hunger and exposure are compounding their misery as poverty deepens the sense of helplessness.

Truck drivers, particularly those transporting Kashmiri apples, have also been hit hard. At Qazigund and Banihal, dozens of trucks loaded with perishable goods remain immobile. “We left Kupwara two days ago,” said Tariq Ahmad, a driver stuck on the route. “But we haven’t moved an inch since. Our apples are going to rot.”

Amidst the state’s inaction, local communities are stepping up to offer aid. In Rajouri, citizens and religious organizations have opened mosques and community centers to tourists caught in the chaos. Shafqat Mir, President of the Islamic Welfare Organisation Rajouri, shared that several stranded families, including women and children, have been accommodated in Old Jamia Masjid.

“We couldn’t ignore the suffering. We came together to provide food, warmth, and shelter,” he said, showcasing a heartening example of humanity and solidarity during a time of crisis.

The incident highlights not only the infrastructure vulnerability in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) during winter but also the lack of emergency response by the authorities, leaving civilians at the mercy of weather and kind strangers.