Zargar Gulzar
Ramban, January 23:
Hundreds of passengers, including 50 children, have been stranded since 1:00 AM today on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway between Ramsu and Banihal due to heavy snowfall and road blockades. The children, who had traveled to Jammu to participate in a three-day Taekwondo event, were returning to Srinagar in four tempo traveler vehicles when the sudden weather change brought traffic to a standstill.
According to reports from the stranded passengers, the vehicles have been stuck for over 12 hours without any proper arrangements for food, water, or shelter. The children, many of them as young as 8 years old, are reportedly cold, hungry, and distressed as temperatures continue to plummet in the region.
“We left Jammu around 11 PM after the event concluded, but got stuck near Ramsu due to the snowfall. There’s no help, no food, and the children are shivering inside the vehicles,” said one of the accompanying coaches.
The affected passengers have made an urgent appeal to the government and district administration to intervene immediately. They are requesting either safe passage back to Jammu or emergency shelter and food arrangements until the weather improves and the highway is cleared.
Local authorities have yet to issue an official statement, but sources indicate that snow clearance operations are underway. However, continued snowfall and slippery road conditions are hampering efforts.
This incident highlights the recurring challenges faced by travelers on the Jammu-Srinagar highway during winter months. The families of the stranded children are anxiously awaiting updates and have urged the administration to prioritize the safety and well-being of the young athletes.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.