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Oil tanker operators supplying petroleum products to Kashmir and Ladakh went on an indefinite strike on Sunday, alleging that they were being targeted by mobs in the Valley and accusing the government of failing to provide adequate security as promised.
Sharma alleged that the failure of security agencies to protect drivers, cleaners and tankers had forced the association to take this decision.
Nearly 270 oil tankers have been destroyed in the violent outbreak in the valley following the killing of Burhan Wani in July.
On Friday, panic had gripped people in the Valley when rumours spread saying the authorities had decided to suspend fuel supplies to the Valley.
Baseer Khan, Kashmir Divisional Commissioner had denied the rumours saying adequate security would be provided to oil tanker operators to ensure uninterrupted supply to the Valley.
The decision of the oil tanker owners association to go on a strike is likely to plunge the Valley into a fuel crisis at a time when the authorities are battling an unrest that has so far left 67 people dead and nearly 5,000 injured.
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