Driver Assaulted, Transport Unions Threaten Larger Protest
Diplomat Correspondent
Batote,(DD): Tensions escalated in Batote on National Highway 244 as Kishtwar-based drivers staged a protest against the alleged forcible collection of Lorry Adda charges. The situation took a violent turn when a driver who refused to pay was reportedly assaulted by a group of men, triggering widespread anger among transporters.
Eyewitnesses reported that the altercation began when a group of individuals, allegedly responsible for collecting fees, demanded payment from Kishtwar drivers. When one of the drivers questioned the legitimacy of the collection and refused to pay, he was allegedly physically assaulted by a group of men, leading to a heated standoff.
As news of the incident spread, more drivers gathered at the spot in protest, blocking the road and demanding immediate intervention from the authorities. Many transporters accused the fee collectors of extortion, claiming that such charges were not officially sanctioned and only added to their financial burden.
“We are already struggling with rising fuel prices, maintenance costs, and road taxes. Now, we are being forced to pay unauthorised fees at multiple points along the highway. This is pure extortion, and we will not tolerate it any longer,” said one of the protesting drivers.
Local police arrived at the scene to pacify the situation and prevent further escalation. The officers engaged with both parties and assured the protesting drivers that a thorough investigation would be conducted into the legality of the fee collection and the reported assault.
Meanwhile, transport unions have strongly condemned the incident, warning that if strict action is not taken against those responsible, they will intensify their protest and may even consider a strike.
“We stand in solidarity with our fellow drivers. If the authorities fail to act, we will organise a larger protest across the region. The government must clarify whether these fees are legal and take action against those exploiting transporters,” a union representative stated.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on whether the Lorry Adda collection at Batote is legally sanctioned or an unauthorised practice. However, the incident has once again raised concerns over the prevalence of illegal fee collections along major highways, which continue to disrupt transport operations and burden truckers and commercial drivers.
With tensions running high, all eyes are now on the administration’s response, as transporters await a decisive action against the alleged extortion rackets operating on NH-244.(DD)