Kashmir unrest: Fuel supplies remain suspended
JAMMU: The fuel supplies to Kashmir remained suspended on Sunday, as there was no let up in attacks on drivers and cleaners of oil tankers in Kashmir region.
The Oil Tankers Association, on the assurances of administration of providing them security, had resumed supplies on ‘trial-basis’ to the Valley on Wednesday. After as many as 20 vehicles were attacked at different locations in Kashmir on Thursday and Friday, the association suspended supplies on Saturday.
Speaking to HT, All J&K Oil Tankers Driver and Cleaners Association president, Khair Din Wani said, “We will not be able to resume supplies to the Valley till we receive adequate protection, while operating in Kashmir region.”
“The glass panes of all eight vehicles, which returned to Jammu on Sunday morning, were broken. These vehicles were attacked in Khanabal and Qazigund on late Saturday night and in the wee hours today (Sunday). The staff has sustained minor injuries. It is almost impossible to operate in such environment,” he said.
Meanwhile, president of J&K Oil Tankers Owners Association, Anan Sharma told HT, “Couple of days back we had sent 150 vehicles to Valley on trial basis but many of them were attacked at different locations. We have demanded from administration to move the oil tankers under security cover in the Valley and every station head officer (SHO) should escort the convoy till it is under its jurisdiction. We have also demanded for a make-shift camp in the Valley guarded by the police. Till our demands are not met, we will not operate in the Valley.”
“We are concerned about needs of defence and paramilitary forces in Kashmir, but we are helpless,” he said.