Due to the prevailing security situation across different parts of Kashmir Valley the J&K Oil and Tankers Association has decided to suspend supplies to the Valley and leh.
At present over 150 loaded oil tankers are stranded at different locations along the highway beyond Jawahar tunnel. Out of these at least 70 of them have not been off-loaded and remain stranded outside the Srinagar oil depot.
Rest of them have been parked on different stretches between lower Munda toll post and Pampore as local police authorities have prevented them from moving further.
Ever since the security situation worsened in Kashmir Valley drivers of these oil/petrol tankers have been informing the owners about various hardships they are facing due to the prevailing security situation in the absence of any fool-proof security cover.
On some occasions motorcycle-borne youths brandishing guns and sharp-edged weapons have also threatened local drivers from Jammu to go away from Kashmir Valley and warned them against ferrying fresh supplies.
Speaking to The Pioneer president, Oil and Tankers Association, Anan Sharma said, "Our drivers are scared as they have been receiving threats from local people. In view of the prevailing security situation we have decided to suspend the supplies and have also requested the State administration to provide us fool-proof security if they wish to maintain the supply line"
Sharma alleged some of them (drivers) have been thrashed and windscreens of majority of the tankers have been broken by stone pelters in the area. He said, “We even met Inspector General of Police Jammu range Danesh Rana on Thursday and apprised him about the ground situation. Though he has given us an assurance that he would speak to his counterpart in Kashmir Valley to make adequate security arrangements we have decided to suspend supplies till our genuine demands are honoured and we are given security.
Meanwhile, a large number of drivers and owners of petrol/oil tankers also staged a protest outside the oil depot in Jammu, highlighting their plight and the indifferent attitude of the various State Government agencies towards ensuring safety and security of drivers along the national highway. He said most of the drivers and cleaners have run out of essential supplies as they have been stranded in the area for the last 4-5 days. Instead of coming to their rescue the protestors are targeting them.
Meanwhile, in view of the tense situation in the valley the district administration in Jammu Thursday decided against allowing fresh batch of pilgrims from Jammu yatri niwas. So far 1,55,320 pilgrims have performed darshan inside the holy shrine.