After Govt assurance, transporters call off tomorrow’s strike in J&K

Srinagar, Dec 13: The Jammu and Kashmir Transporters Welfare Association on Saturday withdrew its proposed strike scheduled for December 15 following a meeting with the Transport minister at the Jammu Secretariat.

General Secretary, Sheikh Muhammad Yousuf said that the decision to call off the strike was taken after the minister assured them that their genuine and long-pending demands would be addressed in a time-bound manner. The meeting was held after the transporters had earlier announced a strike call to press for resolution of multiple issues affecting the sector, as per KNT.

According to him, the key demands raised during the meeting included rationalisation of road taxes, relief from heavy penalties and challans, resolution of issues related to route permits, fitness certification delays, and concerns over rising operational costs.

including fuel prices and insurance premiums. Transporters also sought a review of certain regulatory measures which they said were adversely impacting small operators. He said the minister listened to their grievances patiently and assured them that the government was committed to safeguarding the interests of the transport community, which plays a vital role in maintaining essential supplies and public transport across Jammu and Kashmir.

Following the assurance, the Transporters Welfare Association announced that there will be no strike on December 15 and that transport services will continue as normal in both Kashmir and Jammu. The association, however, cautioned that it would closely monitor the implementation of the assurances given and may be compelled to revive its agitation if commitments are not honoured.

On Friday, Transport Minister Satish Sharma asserted that the transport sector is crucial for boosting the region's economy, emphasising the government's commitment to a transparent and efficient system in J&K. The Minister said this while interacting with the representatives of Transport Welfare Associations during a meeting convened to deliberate on the challenges being faced by the transport fraternity in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions.

During the meeting, the associations presented a detailed memorandum highlighting several pressing issues impacting transporters’ livelihood and day-to-day operations. Satish Sharma assured that all concerns raised by the representatives will be taken up promptly with the concerned for speedy redress. The Associations apprised the Minister of non-implementation of the already approved and finalised E-bus schedule in Jammu and Srinagar. The Minister assured that he would personally review the matter to ensure structured and regulated E-bus operations, safeguarding the interests of existing transport operators.