Srinagar, Nov 22 – In a concerted effort to combat underage driving in Kashmir, various societal and administrative measures are being implemented. Fuel stations across Srinagar have taken a firm stand by refusing to serve minors operating vehicles. Many petrol pumps now display notices stating, “No fuel to minors,” emphasizing safety and discouraging illegal driving practices.

Employees at these stations have vowed to withhold fuel from minors riding two-wheelers without helmets or driving four-wheelers. The move has garnered widespread support, with locals urging all fuel stations in the region to adopt similar practices.

“This is a commendable step. Underage driving often leads to tragic accidents. Protecting lives should remain a priority,” said Muneer Ahmad, a Srinagar resident. He stressed the need for sustained efforts to enforce the ban on minors driving vehicles.

The initiative gained momentum following a tragic collision in Tengpora on November 14, which claimed the lives of two boys and left another critically injured. The incident sparked widespread debate about underage driving and road safety in the region.

Traders and Schools Join the Campaign

The Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) has also pledged its support, declaring that no commodities, including petrol, cigarettes, or other items often misused by minors, will be sold to underage drivers. KTMF President Mohammad Yaseen Khan emphasized the responsibility of the business community in addressing this issue.

“We stand united with the Traffic Department and administration to ensure road safety. Restricting access to certain commodities can play a vital role in discouraging underage driving,” Khan stated, urging parents and guardians to prevent minors from accessing vehicles.

Schools across Srinagar have issued strict directives prohibiting students from riding two-wheelers or driving vehicles to campus. The Directorate of School Education (DSE) has also mandated heads of all educational institutions to enforce these rules and report violations to authorities.

“Underage driving is a serious safety hazard and violates the Motor Vehicle Act. Institutions must ensure that no student attends school while driving any motor vehicle,” a DSE circular emphasized. It warned that violations could result in legal action, including withdrawal of school recognition.

Stringent Enforcement by Authorities

The Traffic Police and Motor Vehicles Department have intensified their crackdown on violators. In a single day, 2,338 vehicles were inspected, resulting in 586 challans for offenses such as helmet non-compliance, overloading, and driving without fitness or insurance certificates.

RTO Kashmir, Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari, stated that the enforcement drive would continue with harsher penalties for offenders, including license cancellations and vehicle seizures. So far, over 11,000 challans have been issued in the Kashmir Valley this year, with Srinagar accounting for the highest number of fines at ₹32.10 lakh.

With over 4,500 accidents reported in J&K this year, resulting in nearly 700 fatalities, officials and residents alike are calling for sustained efforts to curb underage driving and improve road safety.

Bukhari urged parents to instill responsible driving habits in their children, emphasizing that safety starts at home. “Preventing underage driving is not just an administrative duty but a societal responsibility,” he added.

A Unified Approach

As schools, traders, and fuel stations collaborate with law enforcement, Kashmir is setting a precedent for collective responsibility in tackling underage driving. The movement underscores the importance of community involvement in creating safer roads and reducing avoidable tragedies.

Srinagar, Nov 22: Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday called on the Jammu and Kashmir government to take immediate action against Army personnel involved in the alleged ill-treatment of civilians during an anti-terror operation in Kishtwar district.

Reports suggest that five civilians were reportedly beaten by soldiers during an operation in the Mughal Maidan area on November 20, leaving them injured. Following the allegations, the Army has launched an investigation into the matter.

Mufti condemned the incident, saying, “Allegations of severe torture have emerged from Kishtwar, reminiscent of the disturbing events in Bafliaz Surankote earlier this year.” She specifically mentioned that four men—Sajad Ahmad, Abdul Kabir, Mushtaq Ahmad, and Mehraj-ud-Din from Kuath village—were allegedly summoned to the Army camp for questioning, where they were subjected to extreme physical abuse. According to her, the victims were severely injured and unable to walk, requiring assistance to reach the hospital.

The former chief minister urged the Union Territory government to take swift and decisive action against those responsible, emphasizing the need for accountability to prevent such human rights violations in the future.

In response, the Army’s White Knight Corps issued a statement on Thursday, confirming the operation was launched based on specific intelligence regarding the movement of terrorists in the Kishtwar sector on November 20. The statement acknowledged reports of alleged ill-treatment of civilians during the operation and assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted, with appropriate follow-up action taken based on the findings.