Taxi Federation Opposes Ola Entry in Kashmir, Warns of Agitation
Drivers Seek Removal of ‘Side Scene’ Ban in Jammu, Ladakh
Srinagar, Feb 19, KNT: The All Jammu and Kashmir Tourist Taxi Transporters Welfare Federation on Monday strongly opposed the government proposal to introduce app-based ‘Ola Cabs’ in the Valley and warned of agitation if the move is not reconsidered.
Addressing a press conference here, Federation Vice Chairman Abdul Aziz Guroo said the proposed introduction of Ola services would severely impact the livelihood of local tourist taxi operators, particularly at a time when tourist arrivals are witnessing a downward trend.
“The 2014 floods and declining tourist flow have already affected us. If Ola Cabs are introduced in Kashmir, it will completely destroy our trade,” Guroo said, adding that the community is struggling to sustain itself under prevailing conditions.
While acknowledging certain measures taken by the government in the past, he termed them insufficient to address the broader challenges faced by the sector.
The Federation also demanded lifting of the ‘Side Scene’ ban imposed on Kashmiri taxi drivers in Jammu and Ladakh. Guroo alleged that while drivers from Jammu and Ladakh are free to operate across tourist destinations in Kashmir, including Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam, Kashmiri drivers face restrictions in those regions.
He described the disparity as unjust and urged the government to ensure equal operational rights for drivers across all regions of the State.
The Federation further sought a separate trade mark or distinct identification for registered tourist taxis to differentiate them from private and unregistered vehicles. Guroo alleged that unregistered drivers are ferrying tourists without authorisation and appealed to the Tourism and Traffic Departments to take action against such practices.
The Federation reiterated that it would intensify its protest if its demands are not addressed. [KNT]
