Pahalgam pony operators decry ‘one license, one horse’ rule, cite threat to livelihood
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, pony riders in Pahalgam have strongly opposed the “one license, one horse” policy introduced by the authorities, saying the move would severely impact their livelihoods.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the decision was announced by the authorities in the name of anti-pollution drive. However, pony operators termed it a deliberate attempt to restrict their earning capacity, as many depend on multiple horses to sustain their families during the tourism season.
“This is injustice and tantamount to depriving us of our right to earn a living,” several riders said, expressing resentment over the policy. They urged authorities to consider alternative measures, including opening additional routes and creating more opportunities for operators, instead of imposing strict limitations.
In addition to the licensing restriction, the administration has made uniforms mandatory for pony riders and barred the movement of horses on footpaths, along the banks of Lidder Nallah, and in garden areas
