Siliguri, 09th December: Once again, drivers from the plains have alleged harassment by hill drivers while operating in Darjeeling. The issue, which had earlier been raised at press conferences, has resurfaced despite claims from hill drivers that the situation was normal.
According to the drivers of the plains, for the past few days they have been facing repeated obstruction while taking tourists to Darjeeling. They alleged that they are being stopped midway and deliberately harassed during trips to the hills.
In protest against the situation, taxi drivers across Siliguri united and reached the Sub-Divisional Officer’s office on Tuesday. As no senior official was available for discussions, the drivers became agitated and began a sit-in demonstration in front of the office, leading to tension in the area.
Later, the administration called the drivers for a meeting. During the discussion, the Sub-Divisional Officer stated that the matter was not previously brought to their notice and sought 24 hours’ time to investigate the allegations. Following this assurance, the protesting drivers withdrew their sit-in.
The drivers also issued a warning that if their vehicles are not allowed to operate in the hills, they will not allow hill vehicles to enter the plains either. They demanded immediate administrative intervention to restore normal transport operations and prevent further escalation.