Under the shadow of loss

A few weeks ago, a devastating tragedy unfolded on the National Highway near Tengpora, Srinagar. This sorrowful incident claimed the precious lives of two Class 11 students who were driving a Thar SUV. Losing control of their vehicle, they collided first with a parked truck and then with the road divider, leaving behind a trail of unimaginable grief.

This heart-rending loss is not just a blow to the bereaved families but to a people as a whole—a poignant reminder of lives lost far too soon before their full potential could ever bloom. Such tragedies force us to reflect on our collective responsibility. Beyond the pain lies an urgent need to address underlying issues like underage driving, negligence, and disregard for traffic laws—issues often overshadowed by other pressing concerns such as child labor, drug abuse, and rising mental health challenges. The Tengpora incident underscores the necessity for strong, decisive action to curb traffic violations and foster accountability.

Rather than indulging in a blame game between parents and students, it is imperative to channel our energies toward proactive prevention. The focus must shift from reaction to reform, from lamentation to systemic change. Our youth and communities deserve protection through deliberate and united efforts.

The broader picture of traffic-related tragedies in Jammu and Kashmir is equally alarming. The statistics alone demand urgent attention: in just ten months of the past year there were 4,990 accidents reported across J&K resulting in 703 fatalities and 6,820 injuries. Jammu accounted for 105 deaths from 910 accidents, while Srinagar recorded 43 fatalities from 394 accidents. Kulgam district saw 42 lives lost in 138 accidents. These numbers are more than statistics —they are stories of shattered families, unfulfilled dreams, and irreparable loss.

The accidents kill not only the victims but shatter their families too. Here comes to my mind a heartbreaking story that happened in our family some years ago. My uncle Khazir Mohammad Pampori lost his beloved daughter—my paternal sister—in a road accident near Police Public School, Bemina. The pain he endures is beyond words, it has created an eternal void in our family. Our grief resonates with thousands of families in Kashmir who have suffered similar tragedies. These personal stories remind us of the devastating impact of road accidents, urging us to act with urgency and responsibility.

As congestion on our roads intensifies, the risks grow exponentially. It is not enough to mourn after such events; we must act now to prioritize road safety. Each of us—citizens, families, educators, and administrators—must pledge to uphold traffic rules and instill a culture of safety. The administration, too, holds a pivotal role in enforcing stricter measures against underage driving and ensuring that existing laws are not just implemented but adhered to rigorously.

Road safety is a shared responsibility, one that transcends individual actions. It calls for a collective commitment to transform our streets from danger zones into sanctuaries of safety. By fostering awareness, advocating for stricter laws, and collaborating with authorities, we can create an environment where such heart-wrenching incidents become relics of the past.

Let this tragedy be a turning point—a moment where we unite, take accountability, and work tirelessly to safeguard the lives of those who travel our roads. Together we can pave the way for a future where roads connect lives rather than destroying them.

Musaib Rouf,  10^th class student of Foundation World School