Srinagar, 09 March (H.S.): Transporters in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district today staged a silent protest demanding the immediate release of long-pending payments.

They said that the delay in the release of the payments was causing financial distress to them ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.

The protest was organised by the Baramulla Transport Coordination Committee at the Baramulla Transport Office.

It was attended by presidents and representatives of several transport associations, including buses, Tata Sumo, mini buses, auto-rickshaws, tippers, trucks and venture vehicles.

Chairman of the Coordination Committee Irshad Ahmad Ahanger, along with Vice President Ghulam Ahmad Buhroo, urged the administration to clear the pending dues at the earliest.

They said nearly 60 per cent of the payments for Assembly election duty are still pending.

The transport leaders also said payments for several other assignments remain unpaid, including Yatra duty for 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit in 2022, SSB examination duties and Khelo India events, among others.

Ahanger said the delay in payments has placed the transport community under financial strain, especially with Eid-ul-Fitr approaching, and urged the authorities to release the dues so that drivers and transport workers can celebrate the festival with their families.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar