E-bus drivers stage protest

Srinagar, Feb 5: Drivers of e-buses of Srinagar Smart City Ltd (SSCL) today staged a protest against alleged assault by some passengers.

The bus drivers said that they have faced multiple incidents of harassment and assault by some passengers in the last few months. These aggrieved bus drivers said that they had taken up the matter with senior officers but no action was taken.

“We wanted senior officers to intervene and resolve our issue without any delay. They sent some officials but no action was taken. Instead, we were told that we were taking PF and insurance. Does that mean we should be ok with someone assaulting us,” a protesting driver told mediapersons.

He said that a couple of days back, another such incident occurred when one of their colleagues was beaten.

“We pooled money to take him to the doctor. Unfortunately, no official visited him or took action against the culprits. In Delhi e-buses, there are security guards. If they cannot provide us security, we request that strict action should be taken against those who harass us so that such incidents are not repeated,” said another driver.

On Monday, a video of assault from a passenger went viral on social media. The drivers said that a few months back, another such incident occurred. “Without action from authorities, our lives are at risk,” they added, demanding intervention of SSCL officers.