Any lawlessness that can be thought of is prevalent in Kashmir only. With traffic authorities virtually absconding from city roads, transport authorities vanished in thin air and the government almost invisible in the vale, it won’t be out of place to say that the trio makes it a perfect combination of “Bapu Kay Teen Bander”. Hence there is literally nobody to whom the general masses would complain about their sufferings.
The experience I want to share with my brethren; being fully aware that they too are sailing in the same boat; and yet it may lighten the burden of my heart if I share my emotions.
Well! On 2nd of May 2011, I boarded a mini bus (TATA-407) bearing registration no as JK04-0236, plying from Batamaloo to Pirbagh. I got in to the bus near Iqbal Park stand and handed over a fifty (50) rupees note to the conductor. I told him that I have to go to Parraypora, whereupon he returned me the change for rupees forty four. I immediately asked him why he was charging a fare of rupees six (6) for a distance of four and a half kilometers, whereas the fare up to Bagat chowk is only four rupees. The said conductor argued illogically saying that there has been a hike of 50% in the fares and so he charged thus. I further persuaded him to show me the fare list in that case. And again his reply sent chill down my spine. He was rather proud to inform me that the fare lists are a thing of bygone days and if I was interested to have one I should approach the RTO for the same. This reply infuriated me and I warned him that I shall bring the matter into the notice of the traffic cops at which he smiled sarcastically. It was sad to see that none of my fellow passengers joined my protest, though some of them cast aspersions about the fares. Even some went to the extent of suggesting that a ticket system, as that present with the SRTC, be introduced with the public transport system run by private companies.
Anyways, left in lurch I thought to give vent to my frenzied emotions and shattered faith by means of this write-up half heartedly fearing about the destiny of it. I don’t know whether it will catch the eye of the concerned authorities or not but at least it has calmed down the agitation within me. The problem I faced is not personal, but collective. Authorities have a duty to perform here.
Muzamil Khan
Baghat-e-Barzullah

Lastupdate on : Tue, 17 May 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 17 May 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 18 May 2011 00:00:00 IST