Private taxi drivers seek relief from EMIs amid tourism slump

Srinagar, May 12: Private taxi drivers in Kashmir have appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and facilitate a temporary suspension of their vehicle loan EMIs, citing severe financial distress caused by the recent downturn in tourism.
The drivers said that the fallout from the Pahalgam attack had led to a sharp decline in tourist arrivals, directly impacting their daily income. “We have taken our vehicles on finance, and the current situation has made it impossible to pay monthly installments,” a group of drivers said.
Adding to their troubles, the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan have further discouraged tourists from visiting the Valley, worsening the already fragile tourism sector.
The drivers urged the Chief Minister to request banks and finance companies to defer EMI payments for at least two to three months until the situation improves. “We are not asking for a waiver, but only a pause until we can resume our work and earn again,” they added.
The taxi operators expressed hope that the government would consider their appeal seriously and take swift action to prevent vehicle seizures and further financial ruin. [KNT]