Banihal, Apr 13: The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) was restored on Monday afternoon after remaining blocked for nearly four hours following protests at Makarkoot in Ramban district.

The blockade was lifted after the intervention of Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Mohammad Alyas Khan, and Senior Superintendent of Police Ramban, Arun Gupta, who reached the spot and pacified the protesters.

Traffic officials said vehicular movement, which had come to a standstill on both sides of the highway due to the protest, has now resumed smoothly.

The district administration assured the protesters that action has been taken in connection with the incident, and four persons have been arrested. Authorities also assured a transparent investigation into the matter.

Meanwhile, rescue operations are underway to trace the missing youth, Tanveer Ahmed Chopan, who has been missing since Sunday afternoon. He as per locals allegedly jumped into Nallah Bishlari after being chased and beaten by some miscreants .

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been pressed into service to assist in the search operation.

Following assurances from the district authorities, the protesters dispersed peacefully from the highway and allowed traffic to resume.

Meanwhile, former NSUI president and senior Congress leader, Advocate Feroz Khan, a resident of Pogal, also reached Makarkoot and interacted with the victim’s family and district authorities.

He termed the incident unfortunate and unacceptable, demanding strict action against those involved.

Khan said such incidents should not be allowed to disturb the peaceful atmosphere of Ramban district, which has long been an example of communal harmony and Hindu-Muslim brotherhood.

He urged people to remain calm, peacefull and uphold unity, adding that no one should be allowed to disrupt the the social fabric in Ramban district.

In the meantime, GN Azad led DPAP senior leader and Political commentator Salman Nizami has strongly condemned the alleged incident in Makarkoot area of Ramban district.

In a post on X, Nizami termed the incident “shocking” and said the victim was allegedly forced to jump into a stream while trying to escape from alleged cow vigilants, leading to his disappearance.

He said he spoke to DIG Ramban-Doda-Kishtwar Range, Shargun Shukla, who assured him that strict action would be taken against those involved. Nizami demanded immediate arrest of the culprits and called for a thorough investigation into the matter.
Appealing for calm, he urged people to maintain peace and allow the police to carry out their investigation.