Fare hike ahead of Eid ul Fitr unfair to common people: Hakeem Yaseen

Srinagar, Mar 15: People’s Democratic Front (PDF) President and former Cabinet Minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Sunday said the recent 18 per cent hike in transport fares has dashed the hopes of people who were expecting relief ahead of Eid, accusing the Omar Abdullah-led government of placing an additional burden on already struggling households.

In a statement issued here, Yaseen said instead of offering an “Eid gift” to the public, the government’s decision has added to the financial strain on poor and middle-class families.

“People were hoping for some kind of Eid relief from the government, but unfortunately the decision to increase transport fares has further burdened the common man,” he said. He said the hike would directly affect thousands of commuters who depend on public transport for their daily travel, particularly students, labourers and employees from economically weaker sections.