MUSKAN THAKUR
Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 19: A brief closure of the Zoji La route over safety concerns triggered an unexpected drama on Wednesday when a woman tourist, identifying herself as "Gen Z", confronted security personnel at Meenamarg near Dras.
A video of the incident went viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism over the tourist's behaviour and prompting a sharp reaction from Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The Zoji La route was temporarily closed after rain made the Sonamarg-Dras road slippery, raising concerns over landslides and falling rocks in the strategically sensitive, high-altitude area. The precautionary measure, however, did not appear to go down well with the tourist, who was seen arguing with security personnel at a barricade.
In the viral video, the woman reportedly objected to the road closure and questioned why tourists were being stopped. She also attempted to draw other stranded travellers into the protest, apparently invoking the treatment of Kashmiris to make her point.
Her efforts, however, failed to produce the dramatic sit-in she appeared to be seeking. Although some tourists reportedly supported her objections, no one joined her in sitting on the road.
The security personnel, meanwhile, largely remained calm and did not appear to respond aggressively to the confrontation.
Authorities have maintained that temporary traffic restrictions in the Zoji La area are a routine safety measure during sudden deterioration in weather conditions. The route between Sonamarg and Dras passes through a difficult and strategically sensitive terrain where slippery roads, landslides and falling stones can pose serious risks to travellers.
Officials said there was no organised protest by tourists in Sonamarg or Dras and that the incident involved an individual tourist whose video subsequently went viral. Traffic was later allowed to move after weather conditions improved. |