SRINAGAR — The political face-off between the National Conference (NC) and BJP on Wednesday disrupted movement across large parts of Srinagar, with commuters and pedestrians facing traffic jams, roadblocks and restrictions as security forces moved to contain rival protest marches.
The disruption was particularly felt in Raj Bagh, Jawahar Nagar, Ikhraj Pora, Iqbal Park and Hari Singh High Street, affecting movement through residential, commercial and connecting routes in the city.
The National Conference had assembled at Raj Bagh before marching towards the BJP headquarters in Jawahar Nagar, while the BJP gathered in the Lal Chowk area for its planned march towards the Civil Secretariat.
Police stopped the NC protesters from proceeding towards Jawahar Nagar, while the BJP march was also halted on its route towards the Civil Secretariat.
Roads leading towards the BJP headquarters were sealed, while entry points around Ghanta Ghar were restricted to vehicles. Traffic was diverted onto adjoining routes, adding to congestion in surrounding areas.
Police and security forces were deployed in large numbers in Jawahar Nagar, Raj Bagh and other key locations.
The restrictions also affected pedestrians, with movement along several stretches becoming difficult as barricades, security deployments and protest gatherings occupied road space.
For residents, office-goers, traders, patients and other commuters, the political confrontation resulted in delays and difficulties in reaching their destinations.
The disruption came as both parties took their political differences to the streets. The NC was demanding restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees, while the BJP was targeting the Omar Abdullah-led government over issues including employment and governance.
The competing protest programmes turned several normally busy civilian routes into security-controlled stretches, with commuters facing diversions and congestion as police sought to prevent the two groups from converging.
The article first appeared on The Kashmir Pulse at https://kashmirpulse.com/politics/nc-bjp-protest-showdown-disrupts-traffic-pedestrian-movement-across-srinagar/116085.html
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