Srinagar: Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir, Qazi Irfan Rasool, on Saturday said that vehicles brought from outside Jammu and Kashmir are required to comply with mandatory registration and permit norms, asserting that transport authorities are enforcing the rules uniformly across the sector.
His remarks came after a group of All India Permit tourist vehicle operators alleged on Friday that, despite possessing valid permits, they were not being allowed to operate in Kashmir and had been denied an audience with transport authorities.
Rejecting the allegation, RTO Kashmir Qazi Irfan Rasool, while speaking to reporters during a function, said hat the operators were not refused a meeting.
“The claim that we did not meet them is incorrect. They might have approached the Transport Commissioner’s office but did not meet him there,” he said.
The RTO said several vehicles bearing outside-state registration numbers, including those registered in Delhi, were found operating without completing the mandatory re-registration process.
“As per the rules, vehicles brought from outside the Union Territory are required to be re-registered within 12 months. During our inspections and verification, we found that a number of vehicles had not followed the prescribed procedure,” he said.
Responding to claims that holders of All India Permits can operate anywhere in the country without restrictions, he said such an interpretation was not entirely accurate.
“Vehicles operating as contract carriages within Jammu and Kashmir are required to fulfil specific permit conditions and pay the prescribed fee. Possessing a permit does not exempt operators from complying with the applicable regulatory framework,” he said.
He said all permit holders are required to adhere to the conditions attached to their permits and that enforcement measures are aimed at ensuring compliance with the law.
Reiterating the department’s willingness to engage with stakeholders, the RTO said transport operators are welcome to approach the department for clarification on rules and procedures. “Our doors are always open. They can come at any time, and we will explain the process and the legal provisions governing such operations,” he said—(KNO)
