Jammu, 30 August (H.S.): Normal life across the Jammu region remained crippled for the fourth consecutive day today as the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the only all-weather link between Kashmir and the rest of the country, continued to be shut due to multiple landslides triggered by the August 26 heavy rains and flash floods. The prolonged blockade has left over 2,000 vehicles stranded at different points and caused acute shortages of fuel, LPG, fresh vegetables and other essential commodities in several districts. Meanwhile, the dead body of a missing Agniveer was retrieved by the Army rescue team this afternoon from Khour sector of Jammu.

Officials said the 270-km-long highway has been blocked at several places between Jakhaini and Chenani in Udhampur. “Restoration work has not been completed yet. No vehicular movement shall be allowed from Nagrota towards Reasi, Chenani, Patnitop, Doda, Ramban, Banihal and Srinagar,” a Traffic Police officer said. The men and machines of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) are on the job to clear the road.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar