Sit-in Held at Shalmar Taxi Stand, Magam; Transporters Demand Rollback
Srinagar: Daily life and traffic movement in parts of Srinagar and other areas of Kashmir were disrupted on Monday as transporters observed a strike against the proposed expansion of Smart City bus services to district routes.
Private transport operators, including bus, Sumo, and Tavera drivers, stayed off the roads, while protest sit-ins were held at various bus stands across the Valley. The agitation reflects growing concern within the transport community over the potential impact of the Smart City bus expansion on their livelihoods.
In the Magam area of Budgam, all private vehicle drivers joined the strike, leading to a complete halt of local transport services. A large protest sit-in was held at the Shalmar Taxi Stand, where transporters gathered to voice their opposition to the move.
Protesting operators said the extension of government-backed bus services to district routes could threaten the income of thousands of families dependent on private transport. They demanded that the government roll back the decision, citing uncertainty and potential loss of business for private operators.
Speaking on the occasion, transport representatives stated that they are not opposed to development but urged the administration to take stakeholders into confidence before implementing such decisions.
Among those present at the protest was transport representative Ghulam Mohammad Mir of Shalmar Stand, Magam, who expressed concern over the future of local transporters and called for immediate intervention by the authorities.
While public transport services were affected due to the strike, private vehicles continued to ply normally, limiting overall disruption. The situation remained largely peaceful, with protests confined to designated locations and no reports of major law and order issues.
The protesting transporters warned that if their demands are not addressed, they may intensify their agitation in the coming days.
