Srinagar, Sep 2, : The political face-off between the National Conference and BJP on Wednesday left large parts of Srinagar disrupted, with commuters and pedestrians facing traffic jams, roadblocks and restricted movement as security forces moved to contain the rival protest marches.A major chunk of the city’s civilian areas witnessed disruption after roads were blocked or traffic movement was restricted in connection with the two demonstrations.The disruption was particularly felt across Raj Bagh, Jawahar Nagar, Ikhraj Pora, Iqbal Park and Hari Singh High Street, affecting movement through some of the city’s busiest residential, commercial and connecting routes.The National Conference had assembled at Raj Bagh before marching towards the BJP headquarters in Jawahar Nagar, while the BJP gathered in the Lal Chowk area for its planned march towards the Civil Secretariat. Police stopped the NC protesters from proceeding towards Jawahar Nagar, while the BJP march was also halted on its route towards the Secretariat.With roads leading towards the BJP headquarters sealed and entry points around Ghanta Ghar restricted to vehicles, traffic was diverted onto adjoining routes, adding to congestion across the surrounding areas. Police and security forces were deployed in large numbers in Jawahar Nagar, Raj Bagh and other key locations.The restrictions also affected pedestrians, with movement through several stretches becoming difficult as barricades, security deployment and gatherings occupied road space.For ordinary residents, office-goers, traders, patients and other commuters, the political confrontation translated into delays and difficulties in reaching their destinations.The disruption came as both parties took their political battle to the streets, with the NC demanding restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees, while the BJP targeted the Omar Abdullah-led government over issues including employment and governance.The competing protest programmes turned several normally busy civilian routes into security-controlled stretches, leaving commuters to negotiate diversions and congestion as police attempted to prevent the two groups from converging.The day’s developments have once again brought into focus the impact of political mobilization on normal civilian movement in Srinagar, where restrictions imposed around protest sites and march routes can quickly affect traffic across adjoining neighborhoods. [KNT]
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