Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH, Aug 24: Irate residents from Slamabad and adjoining areas held strong protest demonstration and blocked Jammu-Poonch road near Bus Stand here today.
The villagers from nearly 5-6 villages accompanied by Panchayat members arrived at Poonch and raised barricades on Poonch-Jammu road at Media complex near Bus Stand here in the morning. They also sat on dharna on the highway and started shouting slogans against District Administration and the Transport authorities.
The villagers alleged that due to prevailing nexus, the buses have stopped plying on Poonch- Slamabad route and only Tata Sumos are operating. Moreover, the Sumo operators charge fare at their own sweet will. They charge exhorbitant rates and there is no check on it. Many times there is quarrel between the passengers and operators and poor and hapless people are forced to pay. The District administration was least bothered over the issue moreover, Transport and Traffic Police officials were also silent over the issue and are believed to be part of this nexus.
They demanded that buses be plied on this route and the rate of the Sumo operators be defined and if they indulge in violation, action should be taken against them as per existing law. Due to blockade a large number of vehicles remained stranded on the highway. Later, DySP headquarters and Tehsildar reached the spot and they pacified the agitating villagers. They assured that their demand will be addressed immediately. The villagers then lifted dharna and allowed movement of traffic.
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