Auto drivers hold protest in Tral, demand designated stand
Pulwama: Auto-rickshaw drivers in Tral area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Friday staged a silent protest, pressing for the allocation of a designated stand within the town area to streamline operations and ease growing traffic concerns.
Scores of drivers assembled peacefully, holding placards raised their voice to highlight what they described as a long-pending issue affecting their daily livelihood.
The protesting drivers said that the absence of a proper stand has been causing inconvenience not only to them but also to passengers.
They alleged that they are often forced to park their vehicles along congested roads, leading to frequent disputes with traffic authorities and contributing to traffic chaos.
“We have been requesting the authorities for years to provide us with a designated stand, but nothing concrete has been done so far,” said one of the protesting drivers. “Without a proper space, we are left to struggle every day just to find a place to park and pick up passengers.”
Another driver said that the issue directly impacts their earnings and dignity. “We are not asking for much—just a small, fixed space where we can operate smoothly. Right now, we are treated as if we don’t belong anywhere,” he said.
The drivers further stated that the lack of a regulated stand system often leads to confusion among passengers as well. “Passengers don’t know where to find us, and we keep moving around in search of customers. A proper stand would benefit everyone,” another protester added.
They urged the concerned authorities to take immediate steps to identify and allot a suitable location within the town for auto-rickshaws.
They said that if their demands are not addressed, they may be compelled to protest again in the coming days.
Locals, meanwhile, expressed support for the drivers, saying that a designated stand would help in reducing traffic congestion and improving overall transport management in the town.
They sought the attention of higher ups in this regard.
