Srinagar, Apr 21 ; Transporters from Kashmir Valley who had deployed thousands of vehicles for security purposes during the 2024 Shri Amarnath Yatra have appealed to the authorities to clear their long-pending payments, claiming they are under severe financial distress.
According to the transporters, dues amounting to over Rs 200 crore remain unpaid despite assurances that payments would be cleared within 15 days of the Yatra’s conclusion. “It has been more than eight months, and not a single rupee has been released,” one of the aggrieved transporters said.
The vehicles were provided through the Regional Transport Office (RTO) Kashmir for deployment during the pilgrimage and were also used during the Assembly election period. However, the transporters say they are now being forced to run from pillar to post to claim their rightful dues.
“We procured our vehicles on loans and are unable to pay EMIs to banks. Our vehicles risk being seized, and we can’t even afford school fees for our children,” another transporter lamented.
With the 2025 Yatra set to begin in June, transporters said it is unjust that they may be asked to prepare for a fresh round of deployment when the previous year’s dues are still unsettled. They have made a direct appeal to the Home Department to intervene and ensure the immediate release of their pending payments.
“This is not just about business. It’s about our survival. We fulfilled our duties in good faith and now we are being left to suffer,” they said.
