*Issue two days’ ultimatum for ‘Chakka Jam’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 10: All Jammu and Kashmir Transport Welfare Association today alleged misbehaviour and the use of un-parliamentary language by Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma during a peaceful gathering of transporters earlier in the day.
Addressing a joint press conference Chief Patron Parvinder Singh and president Vijay Singh Chib said that a large number of transporters had assembled outside the minister’s residence around 9:30 am today with the intention of seeking a brief meeting to discuss their long-pending demands. They stated that despite a joint meeting held in December, no concrete steps have been taken so far, compelling them to approach the minister directly.
They expressed deep disappointment over the alleged conduct of the minister. They claimed that instead of listening to their grievances, the minister used derogatory and unparliamentary language against the transporters, causing widespread hurt within the community.
“This behaviour is extremely painful and unacceptable, especially coming from a Cabinet Minister and an elected public representative,” Parvinder Singh said.
“We had only requested two minutes of his time. The transport fraternity has been suffering for a long time, and our genuine issues remain unresolved,” Singh added.The Association further stated that the incident was particularly distressing given that Minister Satish Sharma is the son of former Member of Parliament Madan Lal Sharma, who, according to them, was widely respected for his public conduct and approachability.
“We have always treated him as our brother and given him due respect. What happened today, in front of everyone, crossed all the limits of dignity and decorum,” another representative said.
All Jammu and Kashmir Transport Welfare Association appealed to the minister to introspect over the incident and urged the government to ensure respectful engagement with stakeholders. The Association reiterated its commitment to resolving issues through dialogue and mutual respect.
Issuing a warning, the Association announced that it has given the minister time until Friday to offer a public apology. Failing this, the Association stated that transport unions across Jammu and Kashmir would be compelled to go on an indefinite strike. The leaders also warned of launch a peaceful hunger strike as a mark of protest.
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