Early Times Report
Jammu, Apr 18: In yet another instance of discrimination against Jammu, the state government has decided to start a special bus service for women in the summer capital Srinagar, completely ignoring the winter capital of the state.
On the directions of Chief MinisterMehbooba Mufti, the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Farooq Ahmad Lone on Monday convened a meeting to review the modalities for starting the bus services.
The meeting was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police Traffic City Srinagar, Regional Transport Officer Kashmir, General Manager, JKSRTC, Srinagar and representatives of Star Transport, Western Motor Transport, Haji Peer Motor Transport.
The announcement has been welcomed by the people of Jammu, who however ask why there has been no word about whether a similar bus service would be started here as, women too face harassment in buses.
"It appears that the BJP ministers have been chosen by the people of Jammu to serve the interests of Kashmir Valley. Launching a similar bus service in Jammu would not have caused a dent in the exchequer," said Sohan Lal Sharma, a resident of Gandhi Nagar, Jammu.
"These so-called leaders of Jammu should understand that they are answerable to the people. If they keep on compromising with the interests of the people, they should be ready to face the heat," Sharma added.
Meanwhile, it has been decided that an Exclusive Ladies Special Bus will startplying from April 19in Srinagar City from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm on daily basis. The service will be provided by JKSRTC and private transporters on various routes of City including Lal Chowk to Hazratbal via Rainawari and back to Lal Chowk; Lal Chowk to Soura via SMHS and back; Nowgam Railway Station to Lal Chowk via PanthaChowk.
Three buses each will be deployed by JKSRTC and private transporters for the purpose.
These buses will ply on hourly basis and Regional Transport Officer Kashmir and General Manager; JKSRTC will monitor the regular plying of these buses.
It was also decided that subsequently other routes of Srinagar District will be covered for which RTO will submit a detailed plan within a fortnight in consultation with SSP, Traffic and representatives of transporters. |
