Karnah//(JKNS) The Sumo Union in Karnah observed a strike against the bus service operating in the area, bringing Somo vehicles off the roads throughout the day. The union has demanded the closure of the bus service, alleging that its operation has adversely affected the livelihood of local transporters. However, members of the public have termed the strike and the demand unjustified, saying the bus service has provided much-needed relief to economically weaker sections.
Sumo Union President Nisar Ahmad Chak said the introduction of the bus service has directly affected the livelihood of Sumo drivers and vehicle owners. He said several young people had taken loans to purchase their vehicles and establish a means of livelihood, while many educated youths were also driving Sumos to support themselves and their families.
Nisar Ahmad Chak said, “We have taken loans to purchase these vehicles and made them our source of livelihood. Since the bus service started operating, there has been a significant decline in our passengers and income, making it difficult for us to repay loan instalments and meet our household expenses.” He appealed to the administration to take the concerns of the Sumo Union into consideration and address the issue of the bus service in a fair and appropriate manner.
On the other hand, local residents said the introduction of the bus service has provided ordinary and economically weaker passengers with an affordable means of transportation. According to residents, the comparatively higher fares charged by Somo vehicles make travel difficult for poor and middle-class families, while the bus service has emerged as a major relief for them.
Residents said providing affordable and reliable public transport is an important need in the area and that the public should not be deprived of economical travel facilities merely to protect the interests of one mode of transport. At the same time, they urged the administration to hear the concerns of the Somo Union and find a solution through dialogue with all stakeholders—one that safeguards the livelihood of transport workers while ensuring affordable and accessible transportation for the public.
The public maintained that healthy and regulated competition in the transport sector is necessary to ensure better services and reasonable fares for passengers.(JKNS)
