Transport sector hit hard due to unrest in Jammu and Kashmir

SRINAGAR - Continuous unrest with shutdown calls from the separatist and preventive curfew measures imposed by the authorities after the recent killing of some youths has led to huge losses to the transport business in Jammu and Kashmir.

Transporters say they have to pay banks monthly loan installments, but can earn nothing in the present environment.

“The transporters have got vehicles on loan from bank. They thought they would be able to pay bank loan after earning through tourism but the scenario is getting worst. How will they earn? God forbid they could commit suicide as they are stressed with big amount of loans which they are not able to pay right now and it is a matter of concern for them,” Mohammad Amin, a transporter.

Many of these transporters say they are scared of taking out their vehicles for fear of being stoned.

“We are not being able to understand who is ruling here at present, centre government, state or Hurriyat? We are really scared of taking out our vehicles from the stand. Who will listen to our plight,” said Mohammad Shafi, president of the Tourist Taxi Stand Association.

The transporters also have to pay taxes and monthly installments of vehicle insurance.

“Everything is dependent on our vehicle only like our earning, loan interest and other financial matters. We have to pay car insurance of fourteen to eighteen thousand rupees. Bank is not ready to accept our request of not being able to pay loan during strikes or shutdowns. So we have decided to collect our vehicles in the market and torch them” said Sajjad Ahmad, another transporter. By Parvez Butt (ANI)