Averting an Unnecessary Standoff

It is unfortunate that All J&K Transport Welfare Association has been mulling to take the extreme step of going on a one-day strike on December 15, citing the Government’s continued failure to address the long-pending and pressing demands of the transport community across the Union Territory of J&K. The transporters have already made the announcement with regard to the strike, percolating the message among the community that next Monday will be a day of struggle and inconvenience for many who rely totally on public transport, besides a dark day for those small transporters who depend on their daily earning to satiate their bread and butter needs. The transporters should understand that strike is not the solution; rather talks and negotiations on tables are the better options for resolving the issues and mitigating the differences.

There is no doubt in the fact that every sector has the privilege to voice its grievances, but holding the masses hostage to unresolved disputes is not at all justified. Those helming the affairs of the transport industry across J&K should understand that they owe a moral obligation to ensure that essential services like public transport are not disrupted come what may. It is always preferable that they go for dialogue and negotiations on a parallel basis without disrupting the service, because wheel jamming in this vital sector does not merely signal protest; rather, it inflicts hardship on students, workers, patients, and countless others who depend on public transport to navigate their everyday lives.

At the same time, the administration cannot afford to overlook the growing frustration within the transport sector, as persistent delays in decision-making or an indifferent response can push even the most patient stakeholders toward drastic measures. A balanced approach is therefore essential—one where the government proactively engages with transport bodies, conducts periodic reviews, and ensures timely redressal of issues such as fare revisions, permit renewals, taxation concerns, and infrastructural shortcomings. By institutionalizing regular dialogue mechanisms instead of allowing grievances to pile up, the authorities can not only prevent avoidable stand-offs but also reinforce trust with a community that forms the backbone of mobility and economic connectivity across the Union Territory.

It is pertinent to mention that addressing a press conference, the Association Chairman expressed deep concern over what he termed as the administration’s “apathetic and lackadaisical approach” toward the genuine issues repeatedly raised by transporters. There are many demands of the transporters which are genuine and just, but the same should be discussed and deliberated by sitting across the table with the representatives of the government and not by mounting pressure through strike. With the choice of amicably resolving the issues available, there is no need to put the common man to difficulty—the very people who need public transport to run their daily chores.

The transporters need to revisit their decision, and on the other side, the government should also review its stance by considering the significant role the transporters play in steering the UT toward progress through their fleet of vehicles and dedicated members ferrying commuters to various places without hassle or hurdle. What is required is a spirit of cooperation, timely intervention, and an unwavering commitment to public welfare so that the wheels of the transport sector keep moving smoothly without creating avoidable hardships for society at large.