Banihal, Nov 14 (KNS): Expressing serious concern over frequent loss of lives on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, National Conference (NC) leader and district president, Ramban Haji Sajjad Shaheen on Sunday has said that the miserable condition of the NHW has turned the 300-km long road into a virtual death trap as the roads across the region have become deadly and every alternate day people are shocked to learn about deaths on maddening roads. 

Referring to four accidents that took place between Banihal and Ramban strech of National Highway yesterday in which three precious lives were lost and a dozen others injured including four children raises many eye brows on the functioning of traffic and motor vehicle departments and it must be seen as an eye opener for all the stakeholders.

He further said that the road managers cannot abdicate their responsibilities as n number of precious lives are lost either by shooting stones or in fatal road accidents every year. 

He said that the frequent traffic jamming and closure of the road has taken "people of the state hostage" as the People living across the state especially in Kashmir valley and Banihal have been left at the mercy of landslides that disrupt traffic on the only all-weather road, which connects the valley with rest of the country, Shaheen said in a statement.

He further said that the mismanagement and lack of coordination among the Traffic Police posted all along the NHW is one of the factors responsible for the present mess and the department has completely failed to regulate smooth flow of traffic on the roads as daily road commuters and pubic in general has to remain stranded in traffic jams for hours together right from dusk to dawn especially between Banihal and Ramban stretch of NHW causing grave inconvenience to students, patients, employees, traders and transporters.

Shaheen has appealed to the present Administration to come to people's rescue and evolve a proper mechanism in coordination with the stakeholders so that the people are taken out of this highway crisis.

He has also expressed heartfelt condolences on the death of all those who list their live and has also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured passengers. 

Shaheen has demanded ex-gratia relief in favour of next of kin of the Deceased and free medical treatment to the injured. (KNS)