Time to fix loopholes

What should have been a day of joy and laughter turned into a devastating tragedy in Handwara when a fatal accident claimed multiple lives during a school picnic trip. The incident has left the community in shock, mourning the sudden and loss of young lives. However, beyond the grief lies a pressing question we cannot ignore: How did a two-decade-old vehicle, clearly unfit for such a journey, get the green light to carry precious human cargo? According to initial reports, the vehicle involved in the accident was over 20 years old—far beyond the recommended operational life for public or school transport. This is not just a case of bad luck or an isolated error. It reflects a systemic failure at multiple levels—transport regulation, school administration, and oversight by local authorities. This tragedy exposes glaring loopholes in how vehicles are certified, maintained, and used for public transportation, especially for vulnerable groups like children. In many cases, old and poorly maintained vehicles continue to ply the roads due to either negligence or sheer lack of enforcement of existing laws. In this particular case, the question needs to be asked: Was the vehicle regularly inspected? Did it meet the safety standards? And if not, who allowed it to be used? There needs to be strict enforcement of vehicle age and fitness regulations, especially when children are involved. Schools must also be held accountable for ensuring the safety of the transport they hire. Ignorance can no longer be an excuse. The lives lost in Handwara must not go in vain. Let this be the last time we collectively fail to protect our future generation due to outdated vehicles and outdated attitudes toward safety. Only through a combination of stricter laws, responsible governance, and community vigilance can we hope to prevent another such heartbreaking tragedy.