Srinagar, A concerning report from the Traffic Headquarters in Srinagar reveals that over the past five years, Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) has seen a staggering number of road accidents, resulting in at least 4,251 fatalities and 37,725 injuries. This alarming data underscores the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures in the region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the detailed breakdown provided by the traffic department highlights the gravity of the situation, with the Jammu region experiencing the highest incidence of road accidents. In 2019 alone, Jammu accounted for 3,907 accidents, leading to 695 deaths and nearly 5,000 injuries. The Kashmir division also reported a significant number of incidents, with 1,889 accidents causing 301 fatalities.
The trend of higher accident rates in the Jammu region compared to the Kashmir valley persisted in the subsequent years. In 2020, while Jammu witnessed 3,086 accidents and 487 deaths, the Kashmir valley reported 1,774 accidents and 241 fatalities. The disparity continued through to 2023, with Jammu reporting 3,943 road accidents resulting in 598 fatalities, while the Kashmir valley recorded 2,355 accidents, leading to 295 deaths.
As of January 31, 2024, the current year has already seen 398 road accidents, causing 55 fatalities and 486 injuries across IIOJK, with the Jammu region again reporting a higher number of incidents.
The data, disclosed in response to an RTI application filed by activist Dr. M. M. Shuja, sheds light on the chronic issue of road safety in IIOJK. The response from the Traffic Headquarters, provided on March 9, 2024, after the RTI was submitted on February 2, 2024, indicates the ongoing efforts by authorities to address the contributing factors to road accidents and enhance safety measures.
This report not only highlights the critical need for improved road safety protocols but also serves as a call to action for the local administration to intensify its efforts in preventing road accidents and safeguarding the lives of its citizens.