Transporters observe strike in Kupwara; commuters hit hard

Normal life across north Kashmir’s Kupwara district was disrupted on Monday as public transport remained off the roads following a strike call by the transporters’ association, leaving commuters stranded at several places.

The strike affected movement to workplaces, educational institutions, and hospitals, with students and employees among the worst hit as many were unable to reach their destinations. Although markets remained open, overall activity in the district witnessed a sharp decline.

The protest was held against the government’s decision to introduce free Smart City bus services across districts—a move transporters claim could severely impact their livelihoods.

Several commuters expressed frustration over the sudden disruption. “I had to walk seven kilometres to reach my office as no vehicle was available due to the strike,” said a government employee from the Rajwar area of Handwara.

Another passenger, a student of the University of Kashmir, said, “We have exams going on, but due to the strike, many of us couldn’t reach our centres on time.”

An attendant of a patient at the Government Medical College Handwara, said the situation was particularly difficult for patients. “We had to arrange a private vehicle to bring our patient here. Today’s strike created serious problems for common people,” he said.

The agitating transporters urged the government, led by Omar Abdullah, to reconsider the decision and safeguard the interests of those dependent on the transport sector for their daily income.