By Neyaz Elahi
A couple of soldiers allegedly thrashed a Srinagar Municipal Corporation driver near HMT Srinagar this morning. The incident sparked protest while the Army officer visited police station and apologized for the incident.
The victim told news agency that he drives an R-4 vehicle lifting garbage in different parts of city including HMT, Mujhgund, Narbal and other areas. “I was dragged down by soldiers near HMT Camp and beaten up. The soldiers asked me to sop littering the road outside their camp. They threatened me of dire consequences and hit my head. It was only after the arrival of Army officer that they spared me,” the driver Showkat Ahmed said.
“I am lifting garbage in a heavy vehicle. Garbage is usually wet in nature and sometimes while driving some of the water seeps from the vehicle. On this excuse, soldiers thrashed me today,” he said.
The driver informed his superiors who accordingly filed a complaint at police station Parimpora. A senior officer said that the Army officer visited police station and apologized for the incident. “The matter was resolved amicably,” he said.
“The police officer made them understand that I work for the people as well as them and there is no reason to blame the driver,” Showkat Ahmed said.
Meanwhile, Transport Association SMC president, Fayaz Ahmed Mir condemned the incident and said that these drivers work for the common people and they need to be respected. (KNT)
