Jammu and Kashmir health minister Sakina Itoo has expressed concerns over ambulances being stuck due to movement of security forces’ convoys through the valley.
As civilian traffic often comes to a standstill when security forces’ convoys move through the Valley, the J&K Health Minister has expressed serious concern over ambulances being caught in security restrictions. “Security and compassion must go hand in hand. Itoo said that she was deeply distressed to see ambulances stranded and students missing classes due to security protocol during the convoy movement of security forces along the Kashmir Highway.
In Jammu and Kashmir, security and law and order come directly under the Union Home Ministry and J&K Lt governor after the region was stripped of its statehood in August 2019.
Itoo said while the security is paramount, so is the well-being of our people. Let governance be reflected not just in policies, but in the everyday lives of citizens through dignity, sensitivity and meaningful relief,” she said.
Officials say ambulances are not stopped during convoy movements but acknowledge that civilian traffic is regulated during convoy movements. In 2024, the Government told Lok Sabha that civilian traffic is temporarily regulated at various locations during security-force convoy movements.
The Government has said that the Army gives ambulances priority, while regulation of civilian traffic falls under the civil administration and the J&K Police.
