Mufti’s Escort Vehicle Skids Off Road in J&K, 3 Policemen Injured
A recent incident in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district has raised concerns about the safety of VIP convoys in the region. An escort vehicle in the cavalcade of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti met with an accident on Sunday, leaving three police personnel injured.
According to reports, the accident took place when the escort vehicle lost control and skidded off the road, injuring three police personnel who were part of the security detail accompanying Mufti’s convoy. The vehicle was traveling from Srinagar to Baramulla when the incident occurred.
The police have taken cognisance of the incident and launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. The injured police personnel were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, where they are reported to be stable.
This is not the first time that a VIP convoy has been involved in an accident in the region. In recent years, there have been several incidents where security vehicles have skidded off the road or collided with other vehicles, resulting in injuries and even fatalities.
One of the main concerns is the condition of the roads in the region. Many of the roads in Jammu and Kashmir are in a poor state, with potholes and cracks that can cause vehicles to lose control. Additionally, the region’s hilly terrain and weather conditions can make it challenging for vehicles to negotiate the roads safely.
Another concern is the over-reliance on police personnel to escort VIP convoys. While the police do an excellent job in providing security, they are often put in difficult situations where they are required to navigate treacherous roads while ensuring the safety of the VIPs. This can lead to fatigue, which can increase the risk of accidents.
In recent years, there have been several instances where police personnel have been injured or killed while escorting VIPs. In 2019, a police constable was killed when a vehicle in the convoy of then-Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik skidded off the road and fell into a gorge.
In 2020, another police constable was injured when a vehicle in the convoy of then-Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, collided with another vehicle on the Srinagar-Jammu highway.
The recent incident involving Mufti’s escort vehicle is a reminder of the risks that police personnel take every day to ensure the safety of VIPs. It is essential that the government takes steps to improve road safety and reduce the risks faced by police personnel.
In addition to improving road safety, it is also important to review the security protocols in place for VIP convoys. This may involve increasing the number of security personnel, improving communication between the security team and the police, and ensuring that the vehicles used are in good condition.
The government should also consider alternative modes of transportation, such as helicopters or boats, for VIPs traveling to remote areas. This can help reduce the risk of accidents and ensure the safety of the VIPs and the police personnel escorting them.
In conclusion, the recent incident involving Mufti’s escort vehicle is a serious concern that highlights the risks faced by police personnel while escorting VIPs. It is essential that the government takes steps to improve road safety and reduce the risks faced by police personnel. By doing so, we can ensure the safety of both the VIPs and the police personnel who are responsible for protecting them.
