Mubashir Aalam Wani
Srinagar, Dec 24: The local cab drivers here on Friday staged a protest, alleging that their vehicles are being seized by police on the way to Srinagar for no reasons.
The protesting drivers assembled at Srinagar’s Press Enclave and demanded authorities to look into the matter and ensure justice is delivered.
“We are being stopped at by-pass while ferrying passengers and the cabs are seized without giving any reason,” they said, adding that they are not even being allowed to meet the Superintendent of Police (SP) in this regard.
“The cab drivers are following the issued route plan and there is no violation of it. But, despite having all the documents, paying taxes and other related things, our cabs are being stopped and seized for no reason,” they added.
“We appeal Lieutenant Governor led administration and concerned traffic police department to look into the matter and ensure that the justice is delivered,” they said
SP Traffic Srinagar Muzaffar Shah in a press conference said: “We are following directions of high court which mentions that no Cab is allowed to enter Lal Chowk but these sumo, cab drivers are entering Lal Chowk by skipping main roads for their business interests.”
Shah further said “Passengers from North and South Kashmir are supposed to be deported outside Lal Chowk like Parimpora and Panthchowk then they have to take bus services of SRTC and 407 to reach their destinations.”
He said that, “We are trying to implement this order for the betterment of people to avoid traffic mess in Lal Chowk so that people will not suffer anymore due to the mess but some people don’t want it because of their Business interests and are resisting,” he said.
