Bilal Habib
Awantipora, May 28: Traffic Police Rural Kashmir, led by SSP Ravinder Pal Singh, Wednesday conducted a special drive along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway in Awantipora on Wednesday. The crackdown targeted multiple violations including overspeeding, overloading, lack of helmets, absence of seat belts, and non-possession of valid documents.
During the operation, 150 traffic challans were issued to offenders in accordance with the Motor Vehicles Act. The enforcement team included DySP Traffic Pulwama-Shopian Mushtaq Ahmad and DTI Pulwama Tariq Ahmad. Several vehicles were also seized during the campaign.
Speaking to Kashmir Convener at the NH-44 Toll Plaza in Awantipora, SSP Singh emphasized that the objective of the drive was both enforcement and awareness. “Today, special drives were conducted at three key points—near the toll plaza, Awantipora crossing, and other strategic locations. Our aim is to reduce violations that pose a threat to human life,” he said.
One notable issue addressed during the drive was drivers of heavy vehicles operating while wearing slippers, which is a safety hazard. “We counseled 11 such drivers and booked them for violations. This practice increases the risk of serious accidents,” SSP Singh added.
The SSP highlighted that government vehicles were not exempt from action, and challans were also issued to several state-owned buses. “Law is equal for all—be it a private or government vehicle. Any violation will be booked without exception,” he stated.
SSP Singh further noted a positive trend in driver behavior. “Compared to earlier times, there has been a significant improvement in compliance. More drivers now use seat belts, wear helmets, and carry valid documents,” he observed.
He urged continued cooperation from the public and emphasized the importance of adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). “Our ultimate goal is to reduce road accidents and save lives. These enforcement drives will continue, and we hope people follow the advisories sincerely,” he concluded.
The traffic police assured that similar operations will be intensified in the coming days as part of a broader campaign to enhance road safety across rural Kashmir.
