The authorities in Sopore area of Wednesday imposed a blanket ban on the Tongas, the horse-driven carts that were a symbol of the apple-rich north Kashmir town.
The decision was taken by the administration to relocate the cart vendors and hawkers to specified areas.
Station House Officer (SHO), Police Station Sopore, AzimIqbal told Greater Kashmir that Tongas were the biggest hurdles.
“Earlier we relocated the street vendors and hawkers to specified locations to run their businesses, resulting in smooth traffic movement in the town but the Tongas are still creating problems for the management of traffic,” he said. “So the administration has issued an order that no Tonga will be allowed to move in the town. Disciplinary action will be taken against anyone violating the order.”
Talking to Greater Kashmir, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Sopore, ParvaizSajad said that this decision was taken for the betterment of the town, especially for the smooth movement of traffic.
Officials said that the Tongawalla would be compensated by helping them avail government schemes that would help them earn a better livelihood.