Kashmir transport strike caused major problems for commuters across the Valley on April 20.
In Srinagar and other areas, private buses and inter-district cabs stayed off the roads as part of a protest.
Kashmir Transport Strike Over Smart City Bus Plan
The strike was called by the All Jammu and Kashmir Transporters’ Welfare Association.
Transporters are protesting against the government’s plan to expand Smart City bus services to more districts.
They fear that this move may affect their income and jobs.
Kashmir Transport Strike Leaves Commuters Stranded
Due to the strike, many people faced difficulty in reaching their destinations.
A commuter, Imtiyaz Malik, said he waited for a long time to find transport from Srinagar to Kupwara but could not find any bus or cab.
Many others also faced similar problems and requested the government to make alternative arrangements.
Kashmir Transport Strike Impact on Services
Officials said that most private buses, mini-buses, and cabs did not operate during the protest.
However, auto-rickshaws and government buses were running as usual, giving some relief to passengers.
Kashmir Transport Strike Transporters’ Demand
Transporters’ association president Shabir Ahmad Matta said they are against the expansion of Smart City bus services.
He appealed to Manoj Sinha and Omar Abdullah to stop the plan.
He said the introduction of more buses in areas like Pulwama, Kangan, and Sopore may lead to loss of livelihood for transport workers.
Kashmir Transport Strike Continues Concerns
Transporters said they had already shared their concerns with the government, but no action was taken.
The strike highlights the ongoing tension between private transport operators and government plans for public transport expansion.
