Install crash barriers along vulnerable stretches of National Highway: Sajjad Shaheen

Banihal, Mar 29: National Conference (JKNC) leader and district president Ramban  Sajjad Shaheen has demanded installation of crash barriers along vulnerable stretches of Srinagar- Jammu  National Highway.

In a statement he expressed profound sadness and concern over the tragic loss of lives in a road accident at Battery Cheshma, Ramban, on the highway in which 10  precious lives were lost during the intervening night of Friday.

Shaheen highlighted the alarming rise in road accidents not only on the Jammu-Srinagar highway but also on other key routes.  He criticised the lack of proactive steps by the administration to address this issue, emphasizing the need for immediate action to ensure the safety of commuters.

"For years, our pleas for measures to enhance safety on the Jammu-Srinagar highway have gone unanswered. It is unacceptable that lives continue to be lost due to the lack of effective interventions," Shaheen stated.  He urged the administration to take steps to curb the occurrence of such fatal accidents and also prioritise the installation of crash barriers along vulnerable stretches of the National highway.

Expressing deep sorrow and sympathy with the families of the deceased, Shaheen emphasised the critical importance of providing timely assistance to ensure that the victims are laid to rest in their hometowns with dignity and respect.

He  appealed to the LG  administration to sanction ex-gratia relief to families of the accident victims besides expediting the necessary arrangements and logistical support to facilitate the transportation of the victims' bodies without further delay.

He said that our party  JKNC stands in solidarity with the bereaved families during this difficult time and urges swift action from the authorities to alleviate their suffering.

Shaheen has also appreciated the local NGO volunteers Banihal, QRT Ramsoo and Civil QRT Ramban, and the local Police who displayed extraordinary courage and dedication in rescuing individuals amid challenging weather.