This refers to the spate of tragic accidents on the Jammu Srinagar highway. Corruption and greed of authorities concerned and apathy of state government are the main causes of such frequent road accidents.The latest incident took the lives of 13 people, twelve of them belonging to a single family. But why were 13 passengers seated in a Tata Sumo vehicle, that too on this dangerous route? Such incidents can't always be blamed on negligent driving, machine failure etc. Law makers and law enforcers are themselves breaking laws. I asked a driver why don't they stick to rules and earn a risk-free living. He squarely blamed the government for being lenient with traffic
authorities, who often levy from them charges on trifle grounds (e.g.
uniform, music system!), and that they are forced to breach rules to
make up for the money they pay to the officials. This accident must
sound a wakeup alarm for the concerned authorities. A foolproof and
transparent mechanism needs to be framed which would hold every
stakeholder (drivers, traffic authorities, government and passengers)
accountable.

Sheikh Anjum Husain
Sofipora, Pahalgam

Lastupdate on : Sun, 3 Jun 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 3 Jun 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 4 Jun 2012 00:00:00 IST