Bus operators observed a complete wheel-jam strike across Rajouri and Poonch districts of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, protesting against the operation of small private vehicles allegedly ferrying passengers without valid route permits.According to Kashmir Media Service, Rajouri-Poonch Bus Union leaders Sher Singh and Mohinder Singh said private taxis and tempo travellers were operating on established bus routes without permits, causing financial losses to bus owners and drivers already facing economic difficulties.

They urged the concerned authorities and district administrations to take action against vehicles operating without valid permits and resolve the issue permanently.The union warned that the agitation would be intensified and the strike extended if their demands were not addressed. Meanwhile, the Tempo Travellers Association Rajouri extended support to the strike and appealed to its members to keep their vehicles off the roads in solidarity with the protesting bus operators.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)