SRINAGAR: Following the tragic road accident in Srinagar’s Tengpora, which claimed the lives of two young students from Delhi Public School, the traffic police have launched an intensive drive against underage driving to prevent further loss of life.
In just three days, the traffic department has seized over 1,000 vehicles, most of them two-wheelers such as bikes and scooties, operated by minors without licences. The initiative comes after the deadly incident sent shockwaves through the Valley, highlighting the urgent need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws.
“It is always painful to see young lives being lost on the road due to reckless driving,” said Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Srinagar, Muzaffar Ahmed, speaking to reporters. He stressed the critical role of parents in preventing minors from driving. “Parents need to support this effort by ensuring their children do not ride two-wheelers or other vehicles without proper licences. Without their cooperation, traffic police efforts can only go so far,” he added.
The SSP revealed that during the ongoing crackdown, minors and their parents have been counselled, and in some cases, up to 500 vehicles have been seized daily. “This is about saving lives, not just enforcement,” he emphasised.
Official figures indicate that traffic accidents claim at least 500 lives annually in Kashmir, including incidents on rural roads, highways, and national highways. Traffic officers deployed at key checkpoints have been instructed to focus on counselling minors instead of punitive measures. (With KINS inputs)
