Bouncers ‘intimidate’ motorists at Sarore toll

Sumit Hakhoo

Tribune News Service

Sarore (Samba), October 14

Amid the growing clamour for closer of new toll plaza at Sarore in Samba district, the intimidation and harassment of commuters by the bouncers deployed at the toll collecting centre have turned out to be a major cause of concern on the highway, making situation more problematic and tricky.

Four days after the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) made the toll plaza operational on the Jammu-Pathankot highway, there is simmering discontent among the people living in three southern districts — Jammu, Samba and Kathua —where the BJP enjoys mass support and got maximum votes in the parliamentary and Assembly elections.

For the last few days, there have been several instances of bouncers engaged by the private contractor managing the collection centre of thrashing motorists.

On Monday, transporters in Samba and Kathua have given a shutdown call demanding rollback of toll and what they alleged “unilateral decision of the government to impose taxes on the people”.

“Every vehicle’s registration number is being checked by the bouncers and they stop vehicles at will. Misbehaviour with locals and Vaishno Devi-bound pilgrims is common. Police personnel deployed at the spot overlook this all,” said Sunil Sharma, who lives in Thandi Khui, Samba.

Toll is pinching pockets too. The hardest hit by the toll post are government employees, students and traders who daily travel across Jammu and Samba using their own vehicles. Many express their resentment against the government, especially the BJP leadership, for punishing the people who voted them to power.

“Seems reward for supporting abrogation of Article 370. The BJP had earlier opposed installation of toll post on the same site. Why are they silent now,” said Gagandeep Singh, working in pharma company and daily commuting from Jammu to Kathua in his private vehicle.