Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 19: Transporters will observe 72 hours complete strike from January 23 and if Government failed to redress their demands, then the transporters will go on indefinite strike.
This was stated by Chairman, All J&K Transport Welfare Association Tarlochan Singh Wazir during a press conference here this afternoon. Presidents and representatives of all transport unions including buses, mini-buses, taxies, auto, tankers and trucks were also present.
Wazir said that the Central Government is increasing the rate of petroleum products day by day and on the other hand the J&K Government is levying huge taxes, fees and penalties of more than 100 per cent over transporters.
“We approached State Government various times with our demands including withdrawal of passenger welfare fund, withdrawal of fixation of Speed Governor on all vehicles prior to October 1 2016, amnesty scheme in passenger tax, special initiatives for 25 year old vehicles, revision of passenger fare, etc. but nothing has been done”, Wazir said.
“I met Finance and Transport Ministers last week for the solution of our demands and Transport Minister assured that a meeting will be called within two days, which will be attended by Secretary Transport, Transport Commissioner, IGP Traffic and RTO Jammu, Kathua and Srinagar for on the spot solution to the demands of the transporters, but nothing has been done till now”, Chairman of the Association stated.
He said that they are not interested to go on agitation, but the Central and State Governments are forcing them to opt agitational path, adding that they are not in a position to pay the installments of the banks and financial institutions and most of their vehicles remain stand still due to non payment of taxes, fees and penalties.
Wazir demanded immediate revision of passenger fare and withdrawal of recent increased fees, taxes and penalties imposed by the State Government.
“We have decided to observe 72 hours complete strike from January 23 if our demands are not redressed and for any kind of inconvenience to the general public, the Government will be responsible”, Wazir said and appealed to the general public and student community to bear with them and support the cause of the transporters.
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