Siliguri, 24th December: Babu Das, secretary of the NJP Taxi Private Car Drivers Union, alleged that the police, overlooking the instructions of the tourism minister, is imposing fines on the cars travelling from the plains to the hills.
The members of the organization said that after a long five-month lockdown, the taxi owners as well as the drivers have suffered financial losses. Also, after the lockdown was lifted, the state government met the demands of the taxi drivers and owners and exempted them from paying vehicle insurance, fitness, pollution, and many other things except vehicle tax.
Furthermore, the state tourism minister Goutam Deb also gave instructions to not harass the drivers. However, the instructions are allegedly not being followed.
The NJP Taxi Private Car Drivers Union secretary warned to stage demonstrations and go on strike if they continue to face such harassment in the coming days.