Srinagar : Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) senior leader and former minister Mohammad Dilawar Mir on Monday expressed serious concern over the plight of transporters whose livelihood has been worst hit since August last year.
In a statement issued here, Mir demanded a special financial package for the rehabilitation and revival of the transport industry including its allied sectors in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the government should also go for interest subvention and the banks should not insist for repayment of loans from this sector for the time being.
“The viability of the transport industry particularly the public transport sector has come to a standstill since August 2019 in J&K. Last few months of the COVID lockdown have also added to the sufferings of this sector to an extent that people associated with this industry are not in a position to feed their families. So the government must come forward and provide them succor at this difficult time,” the JKAP leader observed.
“A relief package for the sector including resumption of commercial transportation and a genuine fare hike in the wake of fuel prices and COVID-19 pandemic should be considered. Their demands should be accorded a positive consideration,” Mir said, adding that the public transport should be allowed while maintaining the COVID protocol.
“The JKAP appeals to Lieutenant Governor G.C Murmu to address this issue on humanitarian grounds and order some monthly financial assistance for the daily rated workers associated with the transport sector,” Mir demanded.
