Transporters defer May 12 strike after govt assurance

Srinagar, May 8: Transporters in Kashmir Valley on Friday deferred their proposed indefinite strike scheduled for May 12 after a marathon high-level meeting with government officials in Srinagar, following days of tension over the Smart City bus operations and other sectoral issues.
Transport Association Kashmir President Shabir Matta said the decision came after a detailed meeting held with senior officials from the Transport Department, SMC, Transport Commissioner’s office, finance wing, RTO Kashmir, estates department and security officials, along with representatives of transport unions from across the Valley.
Matta said the meeting, which continued for several hours, was held in a cordial atmosphere where both sides presented their concerns.
“We had already given a call for a strike on May 12 and earlier on April 20 due to continued issues, especially related to Smart City buses, permits, green tax and operational concerns affecting the livelihood of transporters,” he said.
The transporters’ leader said the government has agreed to constitute a committee comprising stakeholders and officials to examine all transport-related issues, including Smart City bus operations, permits, green tax concerns and route rationalisation.
“The committee will meet to review all genuine issues. We have also been assured that no decision affecting the transport sector will be taken without involving stakeholders,” he said.
Matta further clarified that the strike call has been deferred and not withdrawn. “We have deferred the strike in view of the assurance and formation of the committee. If our issues are not resolved within a reasonable time, we will be compelled to reconsider our decision,” he said.
Transporters had announced on May 6 an indefinite strike from May 12, warning of a complete halt in public transport if demands were not met. They had also cited concerns over Smart City bus expansion and the alleged impact on the livelihoods of thousands of transporters.
The announcement had come after a Valley-wide “chakka jam” on April 20 that disrupted public transport and caused inconvenience to commuters, including students and patients.
Transporters had warned that the proposed strike would lead to a complete shutdown of public transport across Kashmir from May 12 if their demands were ignored, particularly over the Smart City bus issue, which they said was affecting the livelihood of thousands of drivers, conductors and vehicle owners across the Valley. (KNO)