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| 'Government paying no heed to replacement of old vehicles' | | Tyre of car bursts, Cong MP escapes unhurt | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Oct 30: Congress MP Lal Singh had a narrow escape when a tyre of his official car burst on Jammu-Srinagar national highway in Udhampur district today. The MP has regretted State Government and Chief Minister in particular not paying heed to the need of replacing old and outdated vehicles despite matter having been brought to notice many times.
The convoy of Singh, elected from Kathua-Doda-Udhampur Lok Sabha seat, was on way to Banihal in Ramban district when the accident happened, police said.
The lawmaker was travelling in the Ambassador car when a tyre of the vehicle burst in Mand area in Tikri belt, they said.
"It was a narrow escape. The wheel along with the shaft came out and the vehicle slided for over half-a-km," the MP told . We have many times requested the government and reminded CM that old and technically worn out vehicles which were in operational mode needed replacement as these could put in danger life of any person travelling in them but unforunately no attention has been paid. The accidents like this could take worse turn with anyone and it is for the government to realise this and take appropriate measures, the MP said.
Singh was later shifted to another vehicle, police said adding the MP was to take part in a function in Ramban.
"I had raised the issue of this old vehicle with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and police in the past and has asked for its replacement", Singh said adding nothing was done.
"The bullet-proof vehicle had come back to us just a day before our visit to remote Banihal constituency," he said.
In the last several years, a many mainstream politicians have complained that officials posted at Police Headquarters had been obliging their clients on "pick and choose basis" in terms of allotment of vehicles. It has also been pointed out that brand new bullet proof Ambassador cars, fitted with luxury items like DVD players, were being provided to "selective politicians" including some prominent separatist leaders and the protected persons recommended by them. According to these substantial complaints, even the family members and organizational functionaries of Hurriyat constituents have been provided either the government vehicles with drivers from security wing or PSO who are being used as drivers.
On the other hand, old dilapidated vehicles had been provided to a number of politicians not enjoying intimate liaison with PHQ.
Nobody, either at Police Headquarters or in state Home Department, has taken cognizance of such complaints and media reports. Even as some of such illegally provided vehicles have been reportedly withdrawn in the last few months, over 50 of such vehicles are still reportedly in unauthorized use and possession of politicians and officials, including retired public servants, and their family members and friends who have no threat perception. Many of such vehicles have been provided in the name of "escort", enabling the drivers and so-called protected persons to collect fuel from the state exchequer and sell it in black market. |
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