Transporters observe shutdown in J-K, demand fare hike

The transporters, under the aegis of All Jammu and Kashmir Transport Association (JKTA), demanded the revision of freight and passenger fares and slammed the state government for failing to initiate the required steps in the regard.

Over 70,000 vehicle remained off road due to the protest by transporters, General Secretary, JKTA, Vijay Sharma told reporters.

"We have observed a day-long token strike against the state government's failure to fulfil the demand of hike in passenger's fare despite several reminders," Sharma said.

Sufficient time was given to the state government to meet our demand, he said.

The call for "chakka jaam" was jointly given by passenger vehicle operators of Kashmir Valley as well as Jammu region he said.

"The passenger transport operators are incurring losses after sudden increase in diesel prices, due to which they have been demanding revision of fare, but the government is least bothered about our concern, which forced us to go on a strike," Sharma said.

The auto and taxis union, matador union, Jammu-RS Pura bus union, Jammu-Kathua route bus union, Jammu-Poonch bus union and others have also observed complete shutdown.

"Although the committee set up by the state government on the issue had submitted its report long back, no decision has been taken yet," he said.