Srinagar, Apr 20 : Normal life in parts of Kashmir was partially affected on Monday as private transport operators went on strike against the proposed expansion of Smart City bus services to district routes. The protesting drivers warned that the move could severely impact the livelihood of thousands of families.
Private buses, Sumo, and Tavera operators stayed off the roads and also staged sit-ins at several bus stands across the Valley, including Srinagar.
“How will we support our families if the government runs buses on our routes? We have loans to repay and children to educate,” said a protesting transporter at the Batmaloo bus stand.
Another operator accused the administration of trying to push private transporters out of business to promote government-backed services.
“We are not against development, but our survival is at risk. The government should first consider rehabilitating us before expanding its fleet,” he said.
The protesting operators demanded an immediate rollback of the decision to extend Smart City bus services to district routes.
However, official sources said private vehicles continued to operate normally, limiting overall disruption in the city. The protests remained peaceful, and no major law and order issue was reported. (Agency)
