Ludhiana: Commercial vehicle owners protest against ‘jugaad’ rehris

The Khanna police detained a few protesters, but the situation was resolved by 11 am when the tehsildar of the area and police officials assured the protesters that illegal carts, also known as jugaad’, would not be allowed in the area

A group of commercial vehicle owners on Sunday held a protest at the national higway in Khanna district against unauthorised makeshift motor rehris impacting their businesses.

Members of United Trade Union Punjab staged protest at Khanna and blocked National Highway in Ludhiana on Sunday. (HT Photo)

The Khanna police detained a few protesters, but the situation was resolved by 11 am when the tehsildar of the area and police officials assured the protesters that illegal carts, also known as jugaad’, would not be allowed in the area. The protesters were released later. The protest was held by United Trade Punjab Association.

Union president Harjinder Singh said that they have invested a lot in authorised vehicles, paid taxes, and obtained proper permits as required by the law. However, their legitimate businesses are being adversely affected by the unfair competition posed by unauthorised carts, which charge lower prices by evading taxes. This has severely impacted the livelihoods of authorised vendors.

Harjinder said that the lack of strict action from the government has allowed these unauthorised carts to continue operating.

The protest caused traffic jams on the national highway for about an hour, causing long lines of vehicles. Police was deployed to handle any untoward situation.

DSP Rajesh Kumar assured the protesters that necessary action would be taken against violators, and challans would be issued to discourage such illegal activities in future.