Srinagar: While issuing new directions to close highway for civilians during security force convoy could be revisited, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah suggested introduction of special chartered trains between Banihal and Baramulla for safe and speedy movement of security forces.
Vice-President of the National Conference (NC) Omar Abdullah was reacting to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh's statement on Friday that civilian movement will be stopped for some time when a large convoy of security forces passes through an area. ''Civilians will face a little difficulty, we apologise for it'', Mr Singh said. This decision was taken after fedayeen of militant outfit Jasish-e-Mohammad (JeM) rammed a RDX-laden car into CRPF bus at Lehtpora in Pulwama on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, in which around 40 personnel were martyred on Thursday afternoon. Taking to micro-blogging site twitter, Mr Abdullah said, ''Sir, why not use special chartered trains between Banihal & Baramulla for movement of security forces? They will be able to move at high speed nonstop & they will be much safer than convoys. Also highways will be available for civilian traffic.''
''I had made this suggestion as CM while in office but it didn't find enough takers. In light of yesterday's attack & the new SOP of closing off highways for security convoys perhaps this suggestion can be revisited”, he said.