The unsolved issue of the transporters again sparked a controversy on the onset of tourist season and in this regard a press conference was organized on May 29 by All Ladakh Transport Association at Press Club Office, Leh.

The members alleged that the outside investors are posing a threat to the local business. They explained that their business is seasonal and other tourist destinations like Srinagar and Himachal also does not allow commercial taxis of other region to operate in their area. They questioned, “Why all the rules are implemented in Ladakh only? 

Addressing the grievances, PT Kunzang, President Ladakh Tourist Trade Alliance said, “Army and tourism sector serves as the two major source of income for the people of Ladakh since decades. The recent interference of outside investor in the tourism industry over the past years has been largely affecting the businesses of the locals. Earlier, we have decided to hold a complete shutdown call on May 31 but the district administration has proposed us to find a solution for this by meeting the concerned stakeholders, thus we have deferred the protest call for a time being”.

Talking about the army contract, he said that the contract has not been renewed from the last three months due to which many transport association involved in it are facing the hardship. 

“Our future is dependent on these two industries and it becomes important to keep the business intact with the locals itself,” he said.

Mohd. Shafi Lassu, President, Ladakh Cooperative Transport Society said, “ Earlier, army used to clear all kinds of  contract by  March but this year they have kept on extending the date and  many transporters  related to them are left idle. Many of them still have to disburse the loan.

Tashi Motup, President, All Ladakh Hotel and Restaurant Association said that if the outside investors are coming and taking the business of Ladakh we are going to face a huge problem, we have decided to discourage this system for the sustainability of our business.

Angchuk Shali, President, Taxi Operator Cooperative Limited said, “We already have 7000 to 8000 taxis in Ladakh  and  have a seasonal business. The introduction of rental cars from outside has been affecting the local business”.

He requested the administration, tourism related industries and army to make the benefit available to the local only as they are dependent on it. 

While questioned about the step of district administration towards it, Moses Kunzang, ADC, Leh said, “The administration is going to hold a meeting with the transporters and discuss about the problems and bottleneck. We are planning to sort out things at administration level with concerned officials as soon as possible in order to ease the transporters and unions related to tourism.” 

The controversy is not raised for the first time, last year also there was a hue and cry about this issue and many incidents have been happening in Leh which surely tarnish the image of Ladakh. A serious take on this issue needs to be addressed by the administration and there is a need of strong policy and framework which helps in maintaining cordial relation with other regions. The administration has somehow also failed to take out an amicable solution leading which the issue is growing every year during the peak season.

All Ladakh Transport Association includes All Ladakh Tour Operator Association, Hotels and Guest house Association, Ladakh Co-operative Transport Society, Ladakh Taxi Operator Cooperative Limited, Tempo Union, Load carrier, Ladakh bus operator and Bikers association.