Fresh landslips, Batote highway remains shut

Our Correspondent

Doda, April 26

The Kishtwar-Batote national highway was closed for vehicular traffic for the fourth consecutive day after fresh landslides and shooting stones hit the road near Drabshalla.

Hundreds of vehicles carrying essential commodities remained stranded on the highway. Some commuters walked on foot for 4 to 5 km to reach their destination by trekking through mountainous routes.

The authorities concerned started the work to restore the vehicular movement on the highway. The administration has put heavy machinery for clearing the debris but fresh landslide hampered the restoration work.

Deputy Superintendent of Police, Traffic, Aftab Bukhari said, “We are not allowing any vehicles to ply towards Kishtwar from Thathri due to fresh landslides and shooting stones. The restoration work is in progress and hopefully, the road will be restored till tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, Kishtwar Senior Superintendent of Police Sandeep Wazir said, “Petrol, diesel, ration and other essential commodities are available in Kishtwar. However, candidates appearing for various JKSSB examinations outside the district have asked to take up their grievance with the district administration for alternative examination centre within the district.”