IIOJK in focus

E-rickshaw drivers protest against unfair fare structure in IIOJK

Srinagar: E-rickshaw drivers in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir have staged a protest against the recently fixed rickshaw fares, stating that the authorities are neglecting their concerns.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the drivers expressed anguish over the Transport Department’s decision to set rickshaw fares at Rs 10/km per vehicle or Rs 2.50/km per passenger. The drivers said that these rates are insufficient to sustain their livelihoods.

The drivers criticized the new fare structure, calling it unfair and impractical. They pointed out that the current rates fail to consider rising expenses, including vehicle maintenance, battery replacement, and daily household needs.

“With these rates, we can barely make ends meet,” said Ghulam Nabi, a 45-year-old e-rickshaw driver from Srinagar. “The cost of living is skyrocketing. Even basic necessities like food and fuel are becoming more expensive every day. How are we supposed to survive on such low earnings?”

The drivers also highlighted the significant costs involved in operating an e-rickshaw. “A battery replacement alone costs tens of thousands of rupees, and it doesn’t last forever,” said Asif Ahmad, another driver.

Shabir Khan, a driver and father of three, added that everything, from cooking gas to vegetables, has become more expensive, leaving them with barely enough for their families after a day’s work.

It is noteworthy that the protest has exposed the myth propagated by Indian authorities about development in IIOJK. Along with the anti-people policies of the Indian government, the protest highlights the rising inflation in the territory, effectively debunking Indian claims of development.

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