Srinagar, Jul 14 (KNS): Chairman Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) Hakeem Yaseen has ridiculed traffic and transport departments for their utter failure to check tragic road accidents in various parts of the state especially on Srinagar-Jammu National highway, Chenab valley and Pir Panchal region. He said traffic department has failed to book any driver indulging in negligent driving adding that SSP Ramban has publically admitted that yesterday’s fatal road accidents in Ramban, which claimed lived of 8 passengers, has also happened due to negligent driving.

In a statement issued to KNS, Hakeem Yaseen has accused the concerned traffic personnel on duty for showing negligence in their duties. He said rash and negligent driving especially in remote and mountainous areas, has remained the main cause of tragic road accidents.

He has urged the need for a robust traffic checking system on roads on regular basis to get hold of irresponsible and negligent drivers and traffic violators. He said guilty traffic personnel and vehicle drivers need to be given a deterrent punishment.

He said only police personnel, having a track record of honesty and social commitment, should be deployed on traffic checking duty whereas the deadwood from the department should be removed without any further delay. He said driving skills of drivers especially in hilly and mountainous areas needs to be cross examined to re- authenticate their driving licenses.

Meanwhile, PDF Chairman has expressed his deep grief and shock over the death of 8 passengers in yesterday's road accident in Ramban and has prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls.

Hakeem Yaseen has demanded adequate ex-gratia relief and government jobs to the next of the kins of deceased passengers. He has asked DG police to seek an explanation from the concerned traffic personnel on duty in Ramban sector adding the that those found involved in dereliction of duty should be given an exemplary punishment. (KNS)