Shopian MLA Clarifies Statement on Army Role in Kashmir Highways
Says Remarks Were Limited to Mughal Road and NH44, Not Entire Administration
Shopian, Sept 17, KNT: Shopian MLA Shabir Ahmad Kullay on Wednesday issued a clarification regarding his recent remarks that triggered controversy after he suggested handing Kashmir over to the Army. The legislator said his comments had been taken out of context and clarified that he was specifically referring to the management of the Valley’s two critical highways—NH44 (Srinagar–Jammu National Highway) and the Mughal Road—rather than governance as a whole.
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Kullay explained that his statement was meant to highlight the contrast between the swiftness of the Army and the delays often associated with the civil administration. He pointed to the example of how the Army installed two bridges across the Tawi River in Jammu “within no time,” describing it as a testament to military efficiency. “The Army is a good organization, and if both highways are handed over to them, we won’t suffer in future when roads get closed. That was the only point I made,” Kullay said.
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He accused a section of the media of misrepresenting his remarks by showing only a portion of the clip. “A certain section of the media showed only half of my clip and didn’t display the whole statement. I only said that both the highways should be handed over to the Army, not the entire administration of Kashmir,” he clarified.
The MLA said his real concern was the recurring closure of the Srinagar–Jammu Highway, which is frequently blocked by landslides and shooting stones, causing massive disruptions in the transport of fruit, essentials, and passenger movement. “People are suffering losses, traders are hit, and farmers are unable to move their produce on time. If the Army can build bridges within hours, why not entrust them with the highways to save lives and livelihoods?” he asked. [KNT]
