Unauthorized agents risking lives of taxi operators in dilemma
Jammu: Unauthorized agents roaming freely in Jammu, Katra and other tourist places are risking lives of taxi operators to earn livelihood illegally. Glaring example to which stands cold blooded murder of a taxi driver namely Gurpreet Singh by some identified culprits. Speculations about involvement of gangsters deepened after one more dead body was found by police in Katra, with similar method of assassination executed upon later.
“Unauthorized agents blackmail customers as well as taxi operators in such a manner that neither customers enquire about necessary formalities mandatory upon them nor drivers ask about credentials of passengers. Because deal takes place on road side and in illegal way” Vice President Taxi Operators Association, Jai Singh said.
He added that already in dilemma due to financial crunch evolved out of turmoil in state, taxi drivers, are starving for the last more than three months, over this Every Month Installments (EMI) of banks against loans taken has made lives more difficult. “Most of taxi operators with single taxi bear expenses as well as manage installments in normal situation but for the last three months it has become difficult to manage expenses of education of children” General Secretary Association Arun Sudan said.
He added that with the killing of one driver, all drivers feel unsecure. He suggested that customers should opt to hire taxi from a registered association after submitting their credentials and other related vital information for their safety. He also urged upon the authorities to take cognizance of illegal activities of unauthorized agents for the large interest of passengers and taxi drivers.
Regional Transport Officer (RTO) J.S Manhas when contacted and appraised said that with a couple of days after notification, all type of vehicles would be shifted to Narwal Bus Stand. With which saturation as well as activities of unauthorized agents would get checked. He said his office has already received complaints about unauthorized agents and the department is taking up issue with traffic police authorities to make an end to the menace created by these agents. He assured that presence of unauthorized agents will be no more after few days.
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