- Jammu, Jan 12 : Transporters from Udhampur and Reasi on Monday warned the government of an indefinite strike, alleging discrimination following the shifting of vehicle fitness services to Jammu.
Addressing a joint press interaction, transporters said the decision has caused serious inconvenience to vehicle owners in Udhampur and Reasi, forcing them to travel long distances for mandatory fitness certification. They questioned why transporters from the two districts should be compelled to come to Jammu for services that were earlier available locally.
The transporters also criticized Jammu-based transporters for not raising their voice on the issue, stating that the matter affects the livelihood of operators in Udhampur and Reasi directly. They said the move amounts to discrimination and reflects regional imbalance in the provision of essential transport-related services.
Clarifying their stand, the transporters as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust, said the issue is not limited to government vehicles alone but also affects private vehicles, including passenger and goods carriers, which are required to undergo periodic fitness checks under law.
They announced that a massive protest will be staged on Thursday, coupled with a complete transport strike in both Udhampur and Reasi districts. All categories of vehicles, they said, will remain off the roads as a mark of protest against the decision.
The transporters warned that if the government fails to address their concerns and restore fitness services locally, the agitation will be intensified and extended for an indefinite period.