On September 1st, in Jammu, normal life experienced partial disruptions as the All Jammu and Kashmir Transport Welfare Association (AJKTWA) staged a ‘chakka jam’ to demand the removal of a toll plaza along the Jammu-Pathankot highway in Samba district.
Public and private transportation came to a halt, impacting the city’s mobility, with educational institutions witnessing lower attendance due to the lack of transport options. However, businesses and shops remained open.
Under the leadership of AJKTWA Chairman Ajit Singh, individuals from various associations gathered in the Bhagwatinagar area to conduct protest demonstrations against the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) regarding the poor condition of the highway. Their primary demand was the abolition of the recently established Sarore toll plaza.
Chanting slogans against the NHAI, they organized a protest march towards the toll plaza, resulting in a line of vehicles stretching along one lane of the highway during the rally.
Singh explained, “We are protesting against the NHAI due to the deteriorating road conditions, damaged bridges, and the toll plaza issue. We are conducting this rally to support our demand.” He further expressed disappointment with the NHAI’s lack of response to months of protests by various organizations.
Meanwhile, the hunger strike organized by the Dogra Aketa Front in Samba entered its ninth consecutive day.
Last Saturday, a day-long bandh (strike) occurred in response to this issue, following a call from the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industries (JCCI). Several political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, including the Congress, the National Conference, and the Peoples Democratic Party, supported the bandh.
