Srinagar, Dec 11 (KNO): The All Kashmir Transporters Confederation on Thursday said that it will “defer its decision” on supporting the December 15 strike, originally proposed by the Jammu and Kashmir Transport Welfare Association.
Addressing a press conference here, the Confederation said that the earlier strike call failed to address Kashmir-specific issues and that urgent discussions with the government are necessary before any action.
The press conference was attended by the Confederation’s President, Secretary General and representatives from all districts.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the group stressed that while the Welfare Association has issued a strike notice over certain transport concerns, Kashmir’s own pressing issues were not included.
They said a decision on whether to join or support the strike will be taken after government responses are received by Saturday evening.
It is important to note that the December 9 strike call, by the Jammu and Kashmir Transport Welfare Association had highlighted grievances including: unregulated operation of e-buses, arbitrary e-challans and steep hikes in fitness and green taxes.
While the Welfare Association has announced a one-day token strike on December 15, the All Kashmir Transporters Confederation claims it is a separate body representing ‘over 80% of unions across all districts’ and says the earlier notice does not reflect Kashmir’s unique operational challenges.
The key issues highlighted by the Confederation, during Srinagar press conference were, green tax confusion, as transporters say of previously paying green tax twice a year (Rs: 8,000–16,000 and Rs: 13,000–26,000). “After Delhi talks with the Transport Minister, the tax was meant to be collected once a year, but NIC system glitches have caused inconsistent orders, forcing some operators to pay Rs: 7,000–27,000, depending on vehicle type. Leaders said this is creating severe financial pressure, particularly on small operators and driver-owners.”
The Confederation criticized the government for issuing ad-hoc orders instead of a comprehensive transport policy. Arbitrary decisions on permits, stand removals, e-challans and fees are reportedly affecting day-to-day operations.
Confederation also claim that unauthorized and unregistered e-buses and e-rickshaws are operating without zoning or timetables. They said this is in contrast to Jammu, where such services are properly regulated, leading to illegal operations and reduced earnings for licensed operators.
Payments for election duties, rallies and other government events are reportedly routed through contractors who deduct large shares, leaving transporters underpaid. The Confederation demanded direct payments to transporters to prevent long-standing delays.
The Confederation also called for loan waivers, one-year EMI forgiveness, or interest relief to support struggling operators. “Most Kashmir transporters own only a few vehicles and often act as both owner and driver, making them financially vulnerable.”
Confederation said previous government packages for tourism-related transport have not reached small operators, causing financial strain on families.
Confederation leaders also accused contractors and certain associations of benefiting at the cost of small transporters. They also raised concerns about permits and leases, claiming inconsistencies in government practices have created unfair competition. The Confederation reiterated that it is not in personal conflict with the Welfare Association but criticized its approach and failure to address Kashmir-specific problems.
The Confederation said, a government meeting is scheduled for Friday, during which they hopes to resolve key issues including green tax, e-bus operations, e-rickshaw zoning, delayed payments and policy gaps. The Confederation said it will review the outcomes and then decide whether to support the December 15 strike—(KNO)