Toll tax on highway: Traders, transporters protest, demand rollback of decision

Srinagar: The decision to impose toll tax on all types of vehicles plying on Srinagar-Jammu highway has triggered protests by the traders and transporters, demanding Governor led administration to reconsider their decision.
The toll plaza in Sangam was made operational from Tuesday and commercial vehicles will have to pay the fee while crossing through it, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan had said.
However, the traders and transporters Wednesday took to the streets, calling the move as ‘harsh’. The protesting traders and transporters staged a protest outside Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag’s office.
They under the banner of All Traders and Manufacturers Association (ATMA) Anantnag, Sumo Stand Union Janglatmandi, Bus and Matador Associations demanded no toll tax be charged from common people who are already suffering from prolonged conflict and shattered economy.
The protesters also submitted a joint memorandum before DC, urging Government to revoke the decision at an earliest.
General Secretary of ATMA Hakeem Sajad said that they demand government to exempt South Kashmir traders from the toll tax order, saying that “in case our demands are not met, we will hit the streets against this autocratic order.”