Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 24: The State Police’s armed wing has failed to pay the private transport vendors hired by it during last year’s floods after the police’s own vehicles were damaged.
Jammu and Kashmir Police’s armed wing hired private transport vendors to continue their operations after their vehicles were also damaged in floods. Five months on and they are yet to pay most of them.
As many as 30 drivers from a single travel company are waiting for the payment. The drivers, who were hired by the Police Department for about a month, are daily wagers and depend on the everyday earnings.
“Our own homes were heavily affected by floods and we also suffered losses. The non-release of payment makes it difficult for us to continue our livelihood,” said Habibullah, a driver.
Another driver, who was with the Police Department for more than a month is on the verge of bankruptcy. “There is usually not much work in winters. I lost most of my belongings to the floods but the worst part is that I have to repay my loan to bank every month,” he said.
The transport vendors were asked for their services in return of fuel and an amount on per day basis. The vendors are now facing issues with the department over the said amount. The fuel, however, has already been paid.
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