In Sopore, Tonga-riders worried about future

Sopore, Oct 3: In Sopore, the age-old horse-driven carts (Tongas) are a rare sight ferrying goods and commuters. But with the new mode of transport, Tonga riders are worried about their future, saying they might be rendered jobless within a couple of years.
Many Tonga riders said that it has become difficult for them to feed their family as they earn only Rs 200 per day.
Muhammad Shafi, who has been riding Tonga for decades said, he used to make decent earnings to sustain his family. But with demand for Tongas declining over the last decade, he says it has become difficult for him to sustain his family.
In the early ‘70s, horse-carts were used on marriage occasions to ferry brides and grooms, besides, they were used for political rallies as well.
Earlier, authorities banned entry of Tongas within the municipal limits of Sopore town, blaming it for frequent traffic jams. Apparently seeing the public criticism over the move, the order did not come into force and they continue their journey till now. Recently, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar, announced Tongas would not be banned but suggested their modernization.