Stakeholders unite to enhance parental responsibility, enforcement measures following recent tragic fatalities involving teenagers
SRINAGAR: In a proactive response to the alarming surge in road accidents involving minors, coupled with the heartbreaking tragedy that recently claimed the lives of two teenagers, the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) held a pivotal stakeholder meeting at its office today. The gathering aimed to tackle a critical issue that has raised significant concern within the community.
The meeting, presided over by KCCI President Javed Ahmad Tenga, drew a prominent audience including Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, VK Bidhuri; Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar, Imtiyaz Hussain; and SSP Traffic, Muzaffar Shah. Joining them were KCCI office bearers, executive committee members, representatives from local schools, members of the parents’ association, and various civil society stakeholders.
During the discussions, participants reached a consensus on the pivotal role that parents play in preventing minors from driving vehicles without valid licenses. The meeting underscored the necessity for a coordinated approach to address this escalating crisis that has sadly resulted in numerous fatalities on the region’s roads.
KCCI President Javid Tenga expressed the chamber’s unwavering commitment to enhancing public safety. He stated, “KCCI will play an important and constructive role in curbing the rate of accidents and raising awareness among parents and students. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that precious lives are not lost through preventable accidents.”
Responding to the urgent need for stricter guidelines in educational institutions, school management representatives proposed that authorities establish comprehensive protocols prohibiting students from traveling to school via personal vehicles unless they possess the necessary documentation.
Divisional Commissioner VK Bidhuri revealed that preliminary measures have already been initiated. “We have issued directions to school authorities on this matter,” he noted. “While we will launch an aggressive awareness and enforcement campaign, it is crucial that parents ensure their wards do not operate two-wheelers or four-wheelers without proper authorization.”
SSP Srinagar Imtiyaz Hussain firmly warned parents that they could face legal repercussions if they condone underage driving. He stressed that such actions constitute abetment to crime and could lead to legal proceedings against guardians who allow minors to operate vehicles.
In line with this, SSP Traffic Muzaffar Shah affirmed the department’s commitment to rigorously enforcing juvenile driving regulations. He highlighted the moral obligation of all stakeholders in preventing accidents involving minors, pledging that police will take stricter action against unauthorized driving, including holding accountable those who facilitate such behavior.
The meeting aimed to establish a collaborative framework between law enforcement, educational institutions, and civil society to ensure road safety. Participants discussed the formulation of comprehensive guidelines for schools related to student transportation and planned extensive awareness campaigns targeting parents and students alike. Authorities committed to enhancing enforcement measures against juvenile driving violations, with follow-up meetings scheduled to monitor progress.
Concluding the gathering, all attendees reaffirmed their collective commitment to implementing immediate strategies to reduce accidents involving minors, emphasizing the shared responsibility of parents, educational institutions, and law enforcement agencies in safeguarding the lives of young road users in Kashmir.