Shopian, Nov 20: The death of a nursing student after being hit by a speeding tipper in south Kashmir’s Shopian town on Thursday afternoon sparked public anger over unregulated and reckless driving by tipper and dumper operators in the district.
The deceased was identified as 22-year-old Rozy Jan, a resident of Chitragam Kalan.
An official said Jan was run over by a tipper (registration number JK-13E-3014) outside her college in Arhama, a short walk from the Deputy Commissioner’s office. She died on the spot.
The official said that the driver had been arrested and the vehicle seized.
The fatal accident triggered outrage among residents, who said that reckless driving by heavy vehicles had become routine in the district.
They alleged that tipper and dumper drivers frequently overspeed, ignore traffic rules and ply freely without proper monitoring by authorities.
“Many of these dumpers move around without registration numbers. The number plates on the rear side are missing in several cases,” said Mitha Gatoo, a social activist.
He said the absence of visible identification allows drivers to evade accountability after causing accidents or violating traffic norms.
Gatoo said that the entry of the tippers and dumpers into the town should be restricted during the daytime hours.
Local commuters said heavy vehicles have virtually taken over several key stretches in and around the town, especially during apple-transport seasons. “They fly on the roads,” said Iftikhar Ahmad, who commutes daily through the area. “I have had several close shaves. You never know when a speeding tipper will appear from a blind turn.”
Residents recounted several past incidents involving tippers and dumpers. “Last year, two teachers were killed by a speeding vehicle in Habdipora area of the town”, said a group of residents.
Locals are calling for the installation of speed limit boards, routine inspection of heavy vehicles and verification of registration plates.
