Tractor drivers stage protest in Tral against boulder extraction ban
Pulwama: Scores of tractor drivers on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest in Tral area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district against the government’s decision to ban boulder extraction, saying the decision has left them without work for the last two months.
The protesting drivers, who gathered at Tral, said that they have been rendered jobless since authorities imposed restrictions on extraction from nallahs and streams.
Holding placards and raising slogans, they urged the administration to allow them to resume work in a regulated manner.
“We are not against the government’s rules. We are even ready to pay royalty to the authorities. But banning us completely is unfair,” said Abdul Rashid, a tractor driver from Seer Tral. “I purchased my tractor on loan, and every month I have to pay installments to the bank. For the last two months, I haven’t earned a single penny. How will I feed my family and clear my dues?”
The drivers said that dozens of families in Tral depend directly on this work for livelihood. “It is not just us who are affected. Mechanics, helpers, labourers, and even shopkeepers suffer when our tractors remain idle,” said Mohammad Shaban, another driver.
They demanded that the government come up with a clear policy that safeguards the environment while also ensuring that people who depend on the trade do not starve. “We understand the importance of environment and river safety, but the administration must also think of the poor. We request them to allow us to work legally by paying royalty,” said Farooq Ahmad, a protestor.
The drivers maintained that they tried to approach the concerned officials but have not received any response so far. “We are not protesting violently, we just want the authorities to listen to our plea. If this continues, our tractors will rust and our families will suffer,” they said.
The protest concluded peacefully with the drivers appealing to higher authorities, including the Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, to intervene and find a solution at the earliest.
