It has been years since militancy was brought under control in Jammu and Kashmir. Peace has returned, thanks to the sacrifices of our Army, Police, and Central Paramilitary Forces. Yet, one practice continues to haunt the lives of ordinary people—the culture of VIP convoys and the restrictions they impose. Whenever the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister, ministers, or senior police officers travel on city roads, traffic is brought to a halt at least half an hour before their movement. During this period, even an ambulance carrying a dying patient is forced to wait, a child on the way to school is delayed, a young aspirant misses an exam or job interview, or an employee cannot reach work on time. This so-called “security protocol” has become nothing less than an ordeal for the public.
What was once justified as a precaution during turbulent times has now turned into a symbol of arrogance and misplaced priorities. The militancy threat has receded, but the rulers still continue to hide behind these convoys as if people are their enemies. This has turned into a mental and physical harassment for ordinary citizens.
It must be recalled that when the present Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, first assumed office, he had publicly promised that no road would be blocked for his convoy. Sadly, that assurance was reduced to a mere slogan. The “Darbar Move,” once criticized as a royal tradition, was eventually scrapped with much fanfare, giving hope to citizens and businesses alike. But while that practice ended, the VIP movement culture persists, making daily life miserable for the common man.
The time has come for the government and administration to show maturity and compassion by ending this outdated VIP culture. The streets should not be turned into royal passageways. Instead, the focus should be on easing the life of ordinary people—ensuring that children reach school on time, youths don’t miss opportunities, employees reach offices punctually, and above all, ambulances carrying patients are never stopped.
True security for leaders lies not in barricades and halted traffic but in the trust and goodwill of the people. If Jammu and Kashmir is truly moving toward lasting peace, the strongest symbol of that peace will be the end of this oppressive VIP convoy culture. Only then will governance reflect democracy in its true spirit, where rulers walk among the people instead of towering above them.DD