KARGIL, AUGUST 09, 2021: On the ply of Kargili vehicles in inner routes of Ladakh row, Kargil district observed complete shutdown here today.

After five days of hunger strike by the taxi operators in Kargil, the Taxi Union Kargil called a complete shutdown that was supported by merchants, retailers and other public transport operators in the district.

All type of movements remained completely restricted in addition to shops and merchants in all over Kargil. Along with the Kargil town, Sankoo, Drass, Shakar-Chiktan, Shargole also observed shutdown.
President Taxi Union Kargil Mohammad Ibrahim while speaking to media said that the taxi operators in the district are in intense pressure due to restriction on their vehicles to ply in Leh in this peak tourist season. If the issue is not resolved on time the issue could lead to unfavorable circumstances where the UT Administration will be solely responsible.

He further said that free movement in inner routes of Ladakh as allowed in the permit is their fundamental right. He said that the association raised the issue with higher authorities including LG, CEC, DC and Divisional Commissioner but in vain that forced them to stage protest. He informed that if still the issue is not resolved, massive protests will be held in coming days that will open all the six sense organs of those in Administration.

Speaking on the occasion, Hassan Pasha alleged that the UT Administration is not ensuring proper implementation of the rule of law. He questioned that if the rule is formed why that is not implemented on the ground. He alleged that the approach of the administration shows that they are under pressure of a certain union and acting as an agent to them.

Pertinent to mention that as per sources the Taxi Union Kargil had a meeting with Divisional Commissioner Ladakh late at night on Sunday. The Divisional Commissioner has assured the taxi operators to resolve their issue in consultation with stakeholders in both the districts.

Representative of Noorbakshia sect, Sheikh Ansar also visited the protest site in solidarity with the Taxi operators. He flayed the UT Administration over their failure to resolve the dispute between the taxi unions of the two districts. He hopes that the UT administration will give all their efforts to resolve the issue.