The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — After incessant rainfall battered Kashmir and rendered major roads impassable, the Jammu and Srinagar National Highway continues to remain blocked on Tuesday following landslides and shooting stones at multiple spots along the thoroughfare.

As per the news agency CNS, the J&K Traffic Police said that the works, to resume the traffic movement on NH-44, have been going with men and machinery stepping up the pace.

“Restoration work is in progress on NH-44. Commuters are advised to avoid journey till the road is fully restored,” the J&K Traffic Police said in a post on X.

It is pertinent to mention that the restoration works to reopen the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway were taken immediately after landslides occurred on the NH-44 but the works were hindered by the incessant rains and shooting stones.

With the let-up in rainfall, traffic officials are expecting the NH-44 to be restored for traffic after expediting the road clearance works.

While filing this report, the restoration works were going on at Dalwas, Mehad and Magerkote areas on the NH-44.

SRINAGAR — Authorities have announced a temporary suspension of Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on April 1 and 2 to facilitate repair work on the airstrip at Bijbehara Anantnag.

An official from the Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Department revealed that no heavy motor vehicles, particularly load carriers, will be permitted to traverse between Srinagar and Jammu along NH-44 near Bijbehara Anantnag during the specified period.

"The movement of heavy motor vehicles will be suspended on April 1, 2024, from 0400 hrs to 0700 hrs and on April 2, 2024," the official stated, advising truckers to adjust their travel plans accordingly to ensure smooth progress of repair operations.

"In light of urgent repairs/upgradation of the Airstrip stretch along NH-44 near Bijbehara, Anantnag, no HMVs (Load carrier) shall be allowed from Srinagar towards Jammu and vice-versa on Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) on April 1, 2024 (Monday) from 0400 hrs to 0700 hrs (Tuesday) on April 2, 2024," the official announcement reiterated, cautioning truckers to avoid travel on the mentioned dates and times.

In a separate development, authorities have partially restored vehicular movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, while urging drivers to exercise caution due to the risk of shooting stones between Ramban and Banihal.

"Traffic update NH-44 at 1030 hrs: Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) partially restored, stranded vehicles between Nashree and Banihal are being cleared. Commuters are advised to follow lane discipline, drive cautiously as apprehension of shooting stones between Ramban and Banihal," officials advised.

RAMBAN — Vehicular movement along the crucial Srinagar-Jammu National Highway is set to face a temporary suspension for 14 hours over the weekend, affecting travel between Nashri and Banihal in Ramban district.

According to an order, the halt in traffic flow is scheduled from 10 pm on March 9, 2024, until noon on March 10, 2024. The suspension aims to facilitate widening works for a two-lane carriageway at Dhalwas, with additional widening efforts at other locations along the highway from Nashri to Banihal.

The decision comes following a requisition received from the Project Director of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Project Implementation Unit (PIU) in Ramban, highlighting the necessity to ensure the safety and well-being of travellers and drivers.

"Senior Superintendent of Police, Ramban, and Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic, National Highways, Ramban, are directed to enforce the orders meticulously," the order stated.

SRINAGAR — As Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Srinagar tomorrow, the Inspector General (IG) of Traffic, Bhim Sen Tuti stated that the roads leading to the venue will remain closed for public transport.

Addressing media persons, IG Traffic, as per the news agency KNO, said that starting from 4:00 am until 7:00 pm on March 7, the traffic movement from Jehangir Chowk to Rambagh and Rajbagh to LD Hospital-Tulsi Bagh route will be restricted.

“Motorists travelling between Jehangir Chowk and Rambagh are advised to use alternative routes through interior roads, specifically the Rambagh-Hyderpora-Moominabad-Batmaloo road instead of the Solina-Magarmal Bagh axis,” said the IGP Traffic.

Also, traffic assistance points will be stationed at strategic locations to facilitate smooth movement along these routes, he added.

Similarly, motorists travelling from Radio Kashmir-Rajbagh and adjacent areas towards Solina-Rambagh are advised to take the MA/RR Road-Jehangir Chowk Batmaloo-Moominabad-Hyderpora route instead of the Rajbagh-Jawahar Nagar-LD Hospital-Tulsi Bagh Road axis.

Additionally, the movement of vehicles from Panthachowk towards Sonwar and vice versa will be discouraged during this period. “Students appearing for examinations are urged to carry valid ID cards and roll number slips and to reach their examination centres before 8:30 am and leave after 3:00 pm to avoid any inconvenience, with special arrangements made for them at traffic assistance points,” mentioned the IGP Traffic.

Furthermore, motorists are advised to avoid travelling on Gupkar road and instead use the Dalgate-Nehru Park road to reach their destinations. Citizens are reminded to park their vehicles only at designated parking places to prevent congestion, as wrongly parked vehicles will be towed.

Moreover, in case of emergencies or assistance, citizens can contact the Traffic Police on the special service number (103), added the IGP Traffic. “The restrictions and advisories are implemented to ensure the safety and smooth functioning of traffic during the Prime Minister's visit to Srinagar,” he added.

SRINAGAR — Persistent rainfall has led to multiple landslides along the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, causing a complete blockade, officials confirmed on Saturday.

The landslides, occurring between the Banihal and Ramban sectors, have severely disrupted traffic flow along the vital transportation artery.

Compounding the situation, heavy rainfall persists along the entire length of the highway, heightening the dangers of travel in the region.

In response to the crisis, authorities have issued advisories advising the public to refrain from using NH-44 until weather conditions improve and the road is cleared of debris, emphasizing safety as a top priority amidst the ongoing inclement weather.

SRINAGAR — Srinagar-Kargil road is still blocked due to snow accumulation. After the recent snowfall, there is a lot of snow accumulation on the road, especially on Zojila Pass.

About Kargil-Zanskar road, District Police Kargil has said that subject to fair weather and good road conditions/road clearance, only one-way traffic for all types of vehicles with anti-skid chains shall be allowed from Zanskar towards Kargil.

Police in its advisory have said that due to frost conditions and apprehensions of avalanches, especially in the afternoon, all passengers are advised to travel in the morning. Moreover, no vehicle shall be allowed to pass the Penzila axis without anti-skid chains.

SRINAGAR — After enduring a four-day closure prompted by a series of landslides triggered by heavy rains and snowfall, the Srinagar-Jammu national highway was finally reopened for traffic on Friday.

Efforts by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) National Highway Ramban, and the diligent work of traffic police have been instrumental in restoring the crucial roadway.

A spokesperson from the traffic department told the news agency KNS that the traffic movement resumed along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, although slow-paced in the Ramsoo sector due to single-lane conditions and poor road surfaces.

Authorities, in collaboration with traffic police, spared no effort in the mission to reopen the national highway.

Early Friday morning, Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) were permitted from both directions, with heavy vehicles regulated to ensure a smooth flow of traffic. Significant damage to the road, resulting in single-lane stretches, was observed at Dalwas, Cafeteria-Mehad, and Gangroo between Nashri and Banihal tunnels.

The decision to reopen the highway came after the successful clearance of all stranded vehicles late Thursday.

The closure, which commenced on Monday, was necessitated by a series of landslides, mudslides, and rockfalls from the surrounding hills, obstructing the road at multiple points.

Wednesday saw improving weather conditions, enabling the mobilization of additional manpower and machinery by concerned agencies. This facilitated the partial reopening of the road for stranded vehicles. However, a substantial landslide at Kishtwari Pather required further clearance efforts before the highway was fully accessible to traffic on Thursday afternoon.

Earlier, the Jammu National Highway (NH-44) was partially restored for stranded traffic after NHAI prepared a single road stretch at various locations between Nashri and Banihal in Ramban district on Thursday afternoon.

Despite intermittent closures due to fresh landslides, efforts to clear the route continued, with around one dozen machines deployed at critical points. Senior Superintendent of Traffic Police National Highway Ramban, Rohit Baskotra, personally supervised the restoration operations, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

The extensive damages suffered by National Highway 44, passing through the Ramban district, were attributed to heavy rains, leading to landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones between Nashri and Banihal on Monday and Tuesday.

The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway serves as the vital lifeline of the Kashmir valley, representing the primary road link connecting Kashmir with the rest of the nation. This crucial artery facilitates the transportation of essential supplies and commodities, playing a pivotal role in sustaining the region's economy and ensuring the well-being of its inhabitants.

The highway serves as the primary conduit for Kashmir-bound trucks laden with vital provisions and goods, ensuring the continuous flow of essential supplies into the valley. Moreover, it also acts as the primary route for fruit-carrying trucks originating from Kashmir, destined for various parts of the country.

The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway not only serves as a vital transportation route but also represents a lifeline for the Kashmir valley, connecting it with the broader national network and enabling the seamless exchange of goods and commerce essential for its sustenance and growth.

SRINAGAR — After facing a complete blockage due to landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones, the vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NHW-44) has been partially restored to single-way traffic, authorities confirmed.

An official quoted by a local news agency revealed that intensive efforts are underway to clear the affected stretch between Nashri and Banihal, focusing primarily on stranded vehicles.

Commuters are urged to exercise caution and adhere to lane discipline, especially in the critical area between Ramban and Banihal, where the risk of shooting stones persists.

Amid ongoing clearing operations, the J&K Traffic Police provided a update via their official X handle, indicating the partial restoration of the Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) to single-way traffic at 1615 hours.

Efforts are concentrated on clearing stranded vehicles between Nashri and Banihal, with commuters advised to drive cautiously due to potential hazards, including shooting stones, along the route.

SRINAGAR — The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway was closed for traffic on Monday due to mudslides triggered by heavy rains in Ramban district, officials said here.

People have been asked to avoid travel on the highway till the weather improves.

"The traffic on Srinagar-Jammu highway has been closed for traffic due to mudslides at Mehad-Cafteria in Ramban and Tabela Chamalwass in Banihal area," an official of the traffic department said.

Authorities have stopped traffic at various places along the highway to avoid people getting stranded in vulnerable areas of the arterial road.

SRINAGAR — The Traffic Police Department of Kashmir issued a stern warning on Sunday, cautioning that obstructing ambulances could result in hefty fines or imprisonment for up to six months, as per a circular released by the department.

The circular, issued by the Traffic Police Department, emphasized the critical importance of ensuring unimpeded movement for ambulances during medical emergencies. Hospitals and healthcare facilities operating in the Kashmir Valley were advised to coordinate with the Traffic Police Control Room to facilitate the smooth passage of patients within the municipal limits of Srinagar.

The drivers of medical emergency vehicles and their attendants must maintain close communication with the Traffic Control Unit through the provided helpline numbers to ensure an unobstructed journey to the hospital, stated the circular.

Additionally, all road users were urged to yield to ambulances, particularly those transporting patients to referral hospitals. The circular underscored that failure to provide a clear passage for medical emergency vehicles constitutes a violation under Section 194E of the Motor Vehicle Act. The penalty for such violations includes a fine of Rs 10,000 and the possibility of imprisonment for a term of up to six months.

The announcement by the Traffic Police Department comes amid growing concerns over instances of ambulances being impeded by traffic congestion, thereby delaying crucial medical assistance to those in need.

SRINAGAR — In response to current weather conditions and icy roadways, authorities have issued crucial advisories for the safety of motorists travelling along hilly routes under the jurisdiction of Traffic Rural Kashmir.

According to a traffic advisory issued in this connection by Traffic Police Officer Rural Kashmir, "No vehicular traffic will be permitted on hilly link roads until snow clearance is completed by relevant government agencies."

The advisory specifies that only 4x4 vehicles or those equipped with anti-skid chains, with a seating capacity not exceeding 10 seats, will be allowed on major hill roads. Heavy goods and passenger vehicles are strictly prohibited until snow and frost clearance is confirmed.

Emphasizing zero tolerance for overloading within the Traffic Rural Kashmir jurisdiction, the advisory warns of stringent legal actions against motorists operating vehicles without valid documents. Authorities urge strict compliance with these directives to ensure the safety of all travellers.

SRINAGAR — The crucial Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NHW) partially reopened on Friday, offering relief to commuters stranded for two days due to heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions.

"Restoration efforts are ongoing to clear remaining debris and stranded vehicles," an official told a local news agency. "However, drivers must exercise caution as a section near Sherbibi remains single-lane and several stretches are slippery."

Authorities are working tirelessly to ensure smooth traffic flow and address potential hazards on the vital roadway. While the reopening marks a positive step, complete normalcy is yet to be restored.

"J&K Traffic Police advises commuters to drive cautiously on NHW due to ongoing restoration work," the department said in a statement. "A portion near Sherbibi is single-lane and slippery in some areas."

The closure of NHW, Kashmir's primary land connection to the rest of India, had caused significant disruptions to essential supplies and travel. The partial reopening, while not offering full access yet, provides a crucial lifeline for the region and brings hope for a swift return to normalcy.

SRINAGAR — The Srinagar Traffic Police here have announced that the parents of underage motorists will now have to pay a fine of Rs 25,000, besides up to three-year imprisonment for allowing the minors to drive the vehicles.

Sharing details about the action, Superintendent of Police (SP) Traffic, Srinagar City, Muzaffar Shah, told the news agency KNO that strict action under the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) will be taken against the parents of minor children, who are found driving two-wheelers or any other vehicle.

He added that a fine amount of up to Rs 25,000 would be charged and imprisonment up to 3 years for the guardian for allowing minors to drive the vehicle, and besides this, the minor will not be eligible for getting a driving license till the age of 25 years.

“Strict action will be taken against those who are found violating the law,” said the SP Traffic.

SRINAGAR — Traffic Police on Friday took action under relevant sections of Motor Vehicle Act after a video went viral on social media showing a girl doing dangerous bike stunts in Srinagar. Police also seized the bike of the girl.

The video showed a minor girl performing a dangerous stunt on a Royal Enfield bike on a road in Srinagar. The girl was called by Traffic Police and she was counselled by the Superintendent of Traffic Police. Officials said the girl apologized for her action.

After the video went viral, the girl got a call from the Traffic Police office and she was asked to report there. The girl told the police that she uploaded the video two or three days before and after getting a call, she deleted it.

“Action was taken under relevant sections of the Motor Vehicle Act. The violator was also counselled not to repeat such acts,” a spokesperson of Traffic Police Srinagar said.

PULWAMA — Following widespread public discontent and the publication of a news story on The Kashmir Pulse highlighting the chaotic situation caused by street vendors and wrong parking outside District Hospital Pulwama, the local administration has taken decisive action to address the issue.

The road leading to the main healthcare facility in Pulwama had been plagued by street vendors occupying the space with their three-wheeler load carriers and push-carts. This occupation created immense inconvenience for patients and commuters, obstructing the movement of vehicles and even hindering emergency services, resulting in potential delays in critical patient care.

After the story shed light on the matter, the local administration, prompted by the concerns raised by the public, swung into action to rectify the situation. The Traffic Police, responsible for enforcing traffic laws and managing traffic, devised a novel approach to deter wrong parking. In recent weeks, the cops have started penalizing those resorting to wrong parking by deflating their vehicle tires, effectively immobilizing the illegally parked vehicles.

The impact of this measure has been remarkable, with the road outside the District Hospital Pulwama now largely clear of encroachment. The concerted effort between the Traffic Police and the Municipal Committee Pulwama has successfully removed unauthorized vendors from obstructing the passage, bringing relief to local residents and patients visiting the healthcare facility.

When asked about the same, a Traffic policeman stated, “While our primary focus is to enforce traffic laws, we recognized that wrong parking was a significant issue affecting the smooth flow of traffic. We are duty-bound to ensure the easy access of vehicles to various routes.

Wishing anonymity, the cop, however, didn't speak about deflating the tires of vehicles parked in violation of regulations. Nevertheless, he added that the police aim to create a deterrent against such behaviour.

Owais Mushtaq (JKAS), Executive Officer (Incharge), Municipal Committee Pulwama, earlier affirmed that the road outside the district hospital has witnessed significant improvement. He had stated, “We have taken action against some auto-rickshaw drivers, and this has led to a largely clear road. The shopkeepers of the area can attest to the positive change.”

While the deflation of tires has proven to be an effective deterrent against wrong parking, district officials also acknowledged the need to address the overall problem of street vendors occupying public spaces. The district administration, in coordination with concerned authorities, aims to implement effective measures that strike a balance between the needs of street vendors and the welfare of the public.

Deflating Tyres: Move sparks discussions on legality and effectiveness

The recent implementation of deflating tyres as a deterrent against wrong parking outside the District Hospital Pulwama has sparked discussions on the legality and effectiveness of such measures in the parking enforcement scene. While parking fines and challans are already prevalent across the country, the practice of deflating tyres introduces a new approach to tackle the long-standing issue of wrong parking.

In cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR, parking fines can range from Rs. 500 to as high as Rs. 17,600 for various violations. However, the enforcement of these fines often faces challenges due to resource limitations and the lack of adequate technology. It becomes challenging for the police to monitor every parking situation effectively, leading to lax enforcement in many areas.

Given the growing number of vehicles on roads and the constant need for parking space, experts highlight the importance of encouraging people to use public transportation. To address parking woes, authorities must also consider implementing mechanisms such as raising parking fees, imposing congestion taxes, and restricting parking in specific areas.

The introduction of deflating tyres as a deterrent in Pulwama signifies a bold move by the local administration to take action against wrong parking and address the issue promptly. While some may question the legality of this approach, the effectiveness of the measure is evident as the road outside the District Hospital Pulwama has witnessed significant improvement in recent weeks, with fewer encroachments by unauthorized vendors.

As the district administration and traffic authorities continue to strive for a harmonious environment that ensures smooth traffic flow and convenience for patients, the initiative to deflate tyres sends a strong message to the wrong parkers. However, it also opens up discussions on the need for stricter parking regulations and the development of more comprehensive strategies to tackle the parking challenges.

SRINAGAR — An SPO of Traffic Police Srinagar was killed while two others were injured in a road accident in Maloora Shalteng area of central Kashmir's Srinagar district on Monday afternoon.

Sources said that a speedy truck ran out of control and hit three persons identified as Zahoor Ahmad, an SPO in Traffic Police Srinagar, Zahid Ahmad Bhat, resident of Maloora and Mohammad Yousuf Bhat, resident of Pulwama in Maloora this afternoon.

They said that all the injured persons were rushed to JVC Hospital Bemina for treatment, where Zahoor Ahmad was declared dead and two others are being treated.

Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident and an investigation has been launched to ascertain the facts.

SRINAGAR — Traffic Police on Tuesday declared the road stretch from Badyari Chowk Dalgate up to Nehru Park as a "No Halt Zone" for vehicles while warning the non-compliant will be towed besides the initiation of legal proceedings against them.

According to the news agency KNO, the city's Traffic Police said the move was to avoid congestion on the Boulevard and facilitate the movement of residents and tourists.

“In order to avoid congestion on Boulevard road and facilitate movement of residents and tourists, road stretch from Badyari Chowk Dalgate upto Nehru Park is declared as 'No Halt Zone' for vehicles. No vehicles shall be allowed to stop or park on this stretch,” Traffic Police tweeted.

It requested the people to use designated parking lots and warned that the non-compliance shall lead to towing of vehicles and the initiation of legal proceedings against the violators.

PULWAMA — The road leading to District Hospital Pulwama in the south Kashmir district has turned into a chaotic scene as street vendors occupy the space, causing immense inconvenience to both patients and traffic.

The road, meant to provide smooth access to the main healthcare facility, has become cluttered with three-wheeler load carriers and push-carts selling fruits and other goods. This occupation not only obstructs the movement of vehicles but also hampers emergency services, leading to potential delays in critical patient care.

The situation is particularly dire on holidays and Sundays when street vendors take advantage of what they perceive as a lack of vigilance from the district administration. Ignoring regulations and moral obligations, they indiscriminately park their push-carts, further shrinking the already congested road and exacerbating traffic congestion, ultimately resulting in frustrating traffic jams.

Local residents and patients visiting the hospital express their dissatisfaction with the ongoing predicament. "It's a nightmare to navigate through the road filled with street vendors. As if dealing with health issues isn't stressful enough, we are now subjected to additional hurdles due to the traffic congestion caused by these unauthorized vendors," complains Suhail Mir, a patient's relative.

Another local resident, Jahangeer Bhat, voices her concerns, saying, "The district hospital is a crucial healthcare facility, and it is disheartening to witness its surroundings in such disarray. It is imperative for the district administration to address this issue promptly for the well-being of both patients and the general public."

When contacted, DySP Traffic, Mudasir Tramboo said that the mandate of Traffic Police is to enforce traffic laws and manage traffic. "It is not our mandate to move the street vendors from one place to another. However, we can definitely take action against wrong parking," he added.

Responding to the prevailing situation, the President of Municipal Committee Pulwama, Bilal Ahmad Rather assured swift action to alleviate the problem.

While speaking to The Kashmir Pulse, he affirms, "We acknowledge the inconvenience faced by patients and commuters due to the presence of street vendors outside the District Hospital Pulwama. We are committed to resolving this issue promptly and have already taken action against them. We will ensure strict enforcement of regulations to restore the smooth flow of traffic and provide an unhindered passage for patients accessing the hospital."

Another district official, who didn't want to be named, also emphasizes the importance of adhering to established norms, stating, "The district administration will work in coordination with concerned authorities to implement effective measures that strike a balance between the needs of street vendors and the welfare of the public. We aim to create a harmonious environment where the road outside the District Hospital Pulwama remains free from any obstructions, allowing uninterrupted movement of traffic and ensuring the well-being of patients."

As patients continue to face hardships and traffic woes persist outside the District Hospital Pulwama, local residents hope that the district administration's assurance translates into tangible actions, bringing about a resolution to this pressing issue.

SRINAGAR — In view of the forth-coming Amarnath Yatra, all the tankers and empty vehicles from Jammu will be allowed via Mughal road only.

An order issued by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri said the downside movement of fruit-laden trucks and other vehicles is being hampered and requires to be given priority.

“In view of the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2023 and taking into account the condition of National Highway-44, besides, the erratic weather which is leading to frequent landslide and shooting stones. The downside movement of fruit-laden trucks and other vehicles is being hampered and requires to be given priority,” the order reads.

Accordingly, all tankers of Petrol, Diesel and LPG bulk gas; all empty LPG cylinder carrying trucks; all empty vehicles of FCI and any other vehicle having up to 10-tyres while returning to Jammu shall only use Mughal Road.

“In view of the above, you are enjoined up to impress upon the concerned to follow directions immediately. The Mughal Road will remain open for vehicular traffic from morning 6.00 AM to 6.00 PM," the order reads.

“Any violation of the same may attract punitive action from Traffic Police. Action taken report shall reach immediately,” the order reads.

SRINAGAR — In order to curb high-speed driving of vehicles, Traffic Police Srinagar on Monday said they have received a few ‘speed radar guns’ – a specialized device to assess the speed of moving vehicles.

As per the news agency KNO, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) for City Traffic, Muzaffar Ahmad Shah while speaking to the media at his office said they were short of the equipment to measure the speed of moving vehicles, and now they have received an inventory of a few 'speed radar guns'.

“We would be using the speed radar guns, which would assist us in detecting the people who drive erratically and at high speeds,” he said, adding that in the coming months, the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) is going to be activated. The installation of multiple cameras will automatically detect and minimize traffic violations, he added.

Talking about Sunday’s Parimpora incident in which a group of boys riding two-wheelers was seen allegedly harassing a family and said to be involved in stunt biking, the SSP said, “There was a swift action by the Parimpora Police Station, and the action will serve as an indication to those who are involved in these kinds of acts. Law is very clear about it and nobody can escape.”

Shah said the initiative on underage driving and rash driving was taken last year but the effort can only be successful if parents cooperate. He urged parents to not allow minors to drive either four-wheelers or two-wheelers, and those who do so should make sure their children have all the required paperwork, including a driver's license, and that they are wearing helmets when riding two-wheelers.

It is pertinent to mention that a purported video went viral on social media on Sunday evening wherein a family travelling in a car was seeking help while a group of youth on two-wheelers was seen chasing them in the Parimpora area of Srinagar and kicking their car. Following the incident, arrests were made by police during midnight raids.

"Police took cognizance of a video wherein a group of youths on bikes are seen harassing and attacking a family on road. Midnight raids were conducted by teams led by SDPO West & SHO Parimpora,” Srinagar Police said in a tweet, adding that an FIR was registered in Parimpora Police Station and all nine accused were arrested and four bikes were seized.