Raouf Dar
Srinagar August 19(KINS): Residents of various areas of Southern Kashmir have accused sumo drivers for overcharging them besides not following SOPs to protect from COVID-19.
Residents of Kumdalan village of Shopian said sumo drivers are overcharging for travelling from Kumdullan to Shopian.
“Earlier, the fare charge on the same route was Rs 10 and now we are being charged Rs 30 for the same,” a local Fayaz Ahmad told news agency KINS.
The residents allege that sumo drivers not only overcharge them but also violate standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“They are allowing 10 passengers to travel in a vehicle which causes threat to commuters,” they said.
Similar complaints have been made by residents of other villages in Shopian and Pulwama districts.
“There is no check while sumo drivers are overcharging commuters,” said Javid Ahmad, a resident of Pulwama.
In view of Coronavirus, the government had increased 30% fare hike and asked drivers to carry only 50% passengers in the vehicle as a precautionary measure.
Locals have applied authorities to look into this matter and ease the suffering of people.(KINS)
