Srinagar, (Unib Rashid) – Security restrictions and intensified checking in Srinagar and along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway have raised concerns over commuters’ freedom of movement, with thousands of people reportedly facing difficulties due to increased security measures introduced ahead of Diwali.

According to a statement shared by Altaf Hussain Wani (@sultan1913), heightened security deployment and frisking operations have been reported at several locations, including Vessu, Alstop and Khudwani along the Srinagar-Jammu highway.

The statement said that the deployment of personnel from the Special Operations Group (SOG) and intensified security checks were causing considerable inconvenience to commuters and restricting the movement of thousands of people travelling through the affected areas.

Wani expressed concern that security measures introduced in the name of Diwali-related arrangements should not result in unnecessary restrictions on ordinary citizens or undermine their fundamental rights.

Emphasising the importance of protecting civil liberties, he maintained that security considerations must remain consistent with fundamental human rights, particularly the right to freedom of movement.

The concerns highlight the need to ensure that security arrangements are implemented in a manner that maintains public safety while minimising disruption to the daily lives of residents and commuters.