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Updated: Apr 20, 2019 22:30 IST

Restrictions on civilian traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar Highway – NH-44 – imposed after the Pulwama suicide attack which killed 40 soldiers in February, has been relaxed, the Jammu and Kashmir government said in a statement.

On February 14, 40 soldiers of the Central Reserve Police Force were killed when an explosive-laden vehicle rammed into their convoy. On March 30, another attempt to target a convoy failed.

Following this, on April 7, the movement of civilian traffic along the highway was restricted to twice a week — Wednesday and Sunday. On Saturday, the administration rolled back the restrictions partially, from two days to one, and on a certain stretch, and added that these will further be reviewed after the last phase of polling is over on May 6. An official statement said, “The restriction on civilian movement between Srinagar and Baramulla on National Highway-44 would now be limited only to Sunday with effect from April 22. There would be no prohibition on civilian traffic on Wednesday.”

Also read: Jammu and Kashmir high court seeks government reply on highway ban

The restrictions, however, would continue between Srinagar and Udhampur on National Highway-44 as earlier. Even on the days of restrictions — Sunday and Wednesday — between Srinagar and Udhampur and on Sunday between Baramulla and Srinagar, the local administration would continue to facilitate the movement of civilian traffic as has been happening in the last two weeks, it said.

“Complete review of restrictions on the highway would be done after the last phase of elections on May 6 to examine the need for continuing with them,” the statement said, but added,“The restrictions will be reviewed on a real-time basis and modifications will be made as necessary in the coming days.”

“The restrictions weren’t popular with the local population, importantly the security forces weren’t either keen on continuing with the restrictions,” a senior Ministry of Home official who did not want to be named said explaining the reason behind the move. “The tourist season begins from May. In addition, the J&K government will move back to Srinagar – the summer Capital from May,” a second senior MHA official said indicating more relaxation in the coming days.

Earlier this week, HT had reported about the government reconsidering the restriction on civilian traffic.

Security measures for Anantnag

Between 30,000 and 40,000 security forces will be in place for the first phase of the three-phase polling in South Kashmir’s Anantnag on April 23. The LS seat,which has been without a representative in Parliament since 2016.

The J&K police and the CRPF will guard the hypersensitive polling booths, which are most vulnerable in the region, senior officials said requesting anonymity. Ninety percent of the 900 polling booths in the constituency have been declared hypersensitive. Separate teams headed by senior police officers have been formed to tackle stone pelters. The army will be pressed into “night and area domination efforts,” the officials said.

People’s Democratic Party leader Mehbooba Mufti was elected to the Lok Sabha in 2014 from Anantnag, but she resigned after becoming chief minister of J&K chief minister in 2016 following assembly elections. The security situation in South Kashmir forced the Election Commission to defer a by-election and the seat has remained vacant since.

Also read: ‘These are worst days for country,’ says Mehbooba Mufti on remarks of Sadhvi Pragya against Karkare

Inspector General of Police S P Pani and top officials on Saturday held a meeting with officers who will be deployed on the ground on Tuesday.

“The first and second phase of polls, which remained almost violence-free, has given us confidence but the election in Anantnag will be a big challenge,’’ said a senior police officer.

Baramulla and Srinagar in the Kashmir valley voted on April 11 and 18. On the recommendation of the Police, the Election Commission has reduced the duration of polling, which will begin at 7 am and conclude at 4 pm.