Jan 26 restrictions halt courier services to Kashmir

We are following govt orders: Dir Airport

The tough security arrangement ahead of January 26 has hit the courier service to Kashmir Valley with authorities not allowing any cargo services at Srinagar airport.
The authorities at Srinagar airport have decided to not let any courier fly in or out from Valley putting people to lot of inconveniences.
Airport Director Rajesh Shinde told that due to the security reasons there would be no courier service available to Kashmir till January 26.
“It is a standing operating procedure that on 15 August (Independence Day of India) and 26 January (Indian Republic Day), the courier service to Valley remains suspended,” said Shinde.
Shinde said all airports in India have also been ordered not to receive any courier package for Kashmir.
“No packages will be coming to Kashmir. Airports across India have been informed not to receive any courier packages for Kashmir,” said Shinde.
Shinde said courier companies can collect their assignments after the restriction is over.
Franchise owner of ‘Trackon Couriers Pvt Ltd’ in Srinagar, Sheikh Mohammad Yousuf said due to the restriction they have delayed the deliveries of packages.
“We have informed our customers that there will be no courier service three days. We have placed our orders accordingly,” said Yousuf.
He said in the name of security, authorities at international airport quite often humiliate courier companies.
“We were facing so many hardships. Our electronic items are not allowed to be flown to other states. At times our entire consignment gets cancelled for no reasons,” said Yousuf.
Owner of a courier company in Delhi, Majid Ahmad said the airline companies have categorically denied taking any courier assignment to Kashmir.
“We had many consignments for Kashmir but as no airlines takes responsibility, we don’t accept it,” said Majid.
Operational Manager of Jet airways Airlines, Khurshid Ahmad said they were just following the guidelines of the airport authorities.
“The guidance has directly come from government of India so we have to follow it. It happens every year,” said Khurshid.
Khurshid who is also the President of Airline operator association said services would remain suspended for three days.
“Usually, the services remain suspended for three days but US President’s visit to India may further delay it,” said Khurshid.
Meanwhile, customers have ridiculed such restriction saying in this fast world they are pushed back to Stone Age.
“I had important package to collect for my customers but the restrictions are getting on my nerves. I get sleepless nights as customers are asking for their order,” said Irfan Bhat of Khanyar.
“I have now asked my friend in New Delhi to carry it along with him via road,” said Bhat.
Curtailment in flights to Srinagar has already hit the courier service for Valley.
In comparison to 32 flights that used to fly to Kashmir in during tourist season has now reduced to 19 flights a day due to winter.