Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Sept 24: District Magistrate has banned the election of Kathua based Truck Union which was scheduled for today owing to law and order problem created after clash between two rival Union groups that led to killing of one Excise guard and injuries to two others last week.
The DM also directed for sealing all the offices and premises of both the unions and directed Regional Transport Officer to take over the charge of operation of the Unions.
A team of officers headed by Tehsildar Kathua Jatinder Mishra accompanied by SHO Lakhanpur K D Bhagat sealed the offices and establishments of the Kathua Truckers Union which included 3 shops and 4 halls where the Union offices were operating. An inventory of the items was also prepared. The operation of Truck Union has been taken over by the district administration and responsibility of operation given to Regional Transport Officer, Kathua, headquarter Lakhanpur.
DySP HQ Mushim Ahmed along with police contingent also reached on the spot for implementation of prohibitory order and sealing premises. The teams deputed by district administration restricted the rival groups from holding election due to frequent group clashes, lack of clarity on voter list and authenticity of participants.
Administration is also considering imposing of Public Safety Act on such persons involved in frequent clashes over the issue of truck union.
Meanwhile, a committee has been constituted by the DM for enquiring into all the issues related to both the truck unions and suggest measures for resolving the crisis as well as for lawful and smooth management of trucks and provision of essential supplies.
The committee headed by Asstt Commissioner Revenue S P Rukwal is comprised of DySP Mushim Ahmed and ARTO Mohd Saleem. Administration has cracked down upon the mafia for streamlining the operation of truck union and putting a curb on the pressure groups involved in the practice.
SSP Kathua Mohan Lal supervised all the necessary security arrangements and deployment at venue for smooth management of operations.
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