Srinagar-Leh road opened for vehicular movement

Srinagar: The 434-long Srinagar-Leh highway which remained shut for over five months, was Saturday re-opened for light vehicles while the decision on movement of heavy motor vehicles will be taken later, an official said.
According to an official, the Srinagar-Leh highway was re-opened today after five months for light motor vehicles.
He said that large number of vehicles plied from the either side of the highway in which mostly students and patients were allowed on priority.
Meanwhile, the strategic 434 Km long Srinagar – Kargil – Leh National Highway (NH-1D) was thrown open to vehicular traffic on 30 April 2016 in a simple ceremony attended by a large gathering of people.
Last year the highway was opened to traffic on 13 May 2015.
Zojila pass was closed last year on 29 December 2015. The road between Gagansir and Mechoi(KM 116) was riddled with mighty avalanches of average height of snow accumulation of approximately 50 feet. Summer snow clearance operation of Zojila pass was started on 24th February 2016. Five snow cutters were collectively deployed in addition to 07 dozers and 04 JCBs. This was followed up by trials to assess suitability for movement of light and heavy vehicles.

Batote-Kishtwar Highway blocked after Thatri woman charred to death
BHADERWAH: The residents of Thathri village of Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir today blocked the Batote-Kishtwar National Highway protesting against the “mysterious” death of a married woman.
Alleging foul play, the residents demanded a Special Investigation Team be appointed to probe the death of 23-year-old Shaista Begum.
Shaista was charred to death under suspicious circumstances at her house on Friday afternoon, two days after she lodged a complaint against her in-laws for domestic violence, a police officer said.
The police have registered a case of murder under section 302 RPC and arrested the husband and father-in-law of the woman.
The administration meanwhile had a tough time pacifying the protesters.
“An independent SIT has been formed headed by me for quick disposal of the case,” Additional SP Bhadarwah Sargun Shukla said, adding that the SIT is already on the job.

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