Srinagar March 25 (KNS): Mudasir Karim, President of the Youth Wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC), today voiced concerns over the unregulated activities of load carriers selling fruits and vegetables across Srinagar, urging authorities to implement stricter controls. While recognizing their vital role in reducing unemployment, Karim stressed that the issues of noise pollution, overcrowding, and inconsistent pricing, compounded by unrestricted movement, demand immediate action to safeguard community well-being.
The JKPC Youth Wing wholeheartedly supports efforts that empower people to earn a living, and these load carriers have undeniably helped many sustain their families amid economic challenges. However, the lack of regulation has sparked significant problems that cannot be ignored, affecting students, patients, and residents across the city.
“The excessive use of loud speakers by these sellers is turning a positive effort into a public nuisance,” said Mudasir Karim. “We stand firmly behind the fact that this trade is helping end unemployment, but it comes with its own set of problems. The noise disrupts students preparing for their future and patients seeking recovery—it is a serious issue that needs immediate attention.”
The unchecked movement of these autos through every neighbourhood is another pressing issue, causing chaos and safety risks. Karim called for restricting their movement, proposing that authorities designate specific areas in each locality for these vendors to operate and assign them fixed time slots to limit disruption. He further demanded that these autos be barred from entering and parking their autos in high-traffic zones like Lal Chowk, Karanagar, Hazratbal, Sanatnagar, Nowhatta in Srinagar where their presence exacerbates congestion and disorder. “We need a practical solution like allocated spaces and restricted timings,” he added. “Keeping them out of Lal Chowk, Karanagar, Hazratbal, Sanatnagar, Nowhatta etc and controlling their movement will ensure our streets remain functional and safe.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel”
Moreover, the absence of rate regulation has led to confusion, with significant price variations for identical products raising doubts about quality and fairness. “One seller charges a certain amount, and another offers the same thing at a much lower price,” Karim noted. “We have to ask: is the cheaper option compromising on quality? This unregulated market confuses consumers and risks their health. Oversight is essential.”
To address these challenges comprehensively, Karim suggested that during registration for permits of these vehicles, a separate category be established specifically for vendors selling fruits and vegetables. “A distinct registration process for these vendors would allow better tracking and enforcement of rules,” he said. “It’s a step toward accountability and order.”
The JKPC Youth Wing President urges the Srinagar administration and police authorities, including Commissioner SMC Owais Ahmed, Controller Legal Metrology Department Anuradha Gupta, SSP Traffic Srinagar Muzaffar Shah, SSP Srinagar Imtiyaz Hussain, to act swiftly. “We are not against these sellers—they are part of our community,” Karim affirmed. “But we need rules: control the noise, restrict their movement, set time slots, and ensure pricing is fair and transparent through proper registration. It is about finding a balance that works for everyone.”
The JKPC Youth Wing remains dedicated to advocating for policies that uplift the youth and residents of Jammu and Kashmir while tackling challenges that impact daily life. This call for regulation and restricted movement reflects that dedication, striving to align economic opportunities with the needs of the public.(KNS)