Wednesday 13th May, 2026
Srinagar, May 11: Expressing serious concern over economic losses suffered due to frequent closure of the national highway, the only all weather road connecting Kashmir valley with the rest of the country, the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), demanded that historic Mughal road be declared as national highway and cross-Line of Control (LoC) trade be restored.
A KCC delegation, who called on Governor Satya Pal Malik at Rajbhavan here on Saturday raised these and other issues, an official spokesman said.
He said the delegation apprised Governor about economic losses suffered due to frequent closure of Jammu-Srinagar road link and requested for urgent repair of this road link.
They also urged him to declare Mughal road as a National Highway and introducing air connectivity between Srinagar and Jammu on the pattern of the ‘UDAN’ scheme of the Ministry of Civil Aviation; conversion of foot bridges on river Jhelum into motorable bridges.
They also demanded crop insurance scheme for Agriculture and Horticulture sectors, introduction of effective measures to prevent and manage floods, making available land for industrial use, making common STPs functional to protect water bodies; and revival of carpet manufacturing industry in State.
The KCC also demanded restoration of cross-LoC between Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK). The centre has last month suspended cross-LoC trade after intelligence reports that it was being used by anti national activities. Cross-LoC trade was started in 2008 after remaining suspended since 1947 due to partition.
The delegation extended invitation to Governor about the upcoming Ambassadors Meet in New Delhi on May 25.
UNI