Srinagar: Amid controversy, the Srinagar-Leh National Highway was Friday thrown open formally for traffic on both sides.

The road was officially thrown open by GOC 15 corps Lt Gen A K Bhat during a road opening ceremony near Zojila. However the district  administration alleged that Beacon authorities took the decision of opening the highway unilaterally thereby putting the life and property of people in danger besides creating confusion considering law and order situation prevailing in the areas.

Pertinently, District Magistrate Ganderbal has decided to  initiate criminal negligence  proceedings against Beacon authorities.

It is pertinent to mention that District Administration has been trying hard since long in getting the highway open at the earliest.

Sonmarg resort has already been opened early in March to facilitate tourism.

Speaking on the issue District Magistrate said ‘There is procedure to everything. We are more eager to open the highway at earliest. National Highway is closed and opened only with order of Div Com Kashmir on the recommendation of our office. Beacon authorities didn’t bother to send its recommendation for approval by Divisional  Commisioner Kashmir and opened it unilaterally creating confusion’

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