Leh: Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, on Thursday made it clear that transport unions cannot set up unauthorised checkpoints or control junctions, asserting that maintaining law and order is solely the responsibility of the police.
Chairing a meeting with various transport associations in Leh, the Chief Secretary addressed multiple issues affecting the sector, with a focus on ensuring smooth operations and protecting Ladakh’s tourism-driven economy.
Representatives from the Mazda Union, Biker Union, Tempo Union 207, Taxi Operators Union and Transport Federation Cooperative raised concerns regarding membership renewal, cooperative functioning and operational challenges. A key issue discussed was the timeline and process for renewal of membership in taxi cooperative societies.
Responding to concerns over the existing token system used by unions to regulate tourist bookings, Kundra acknowledged its intent to ensure fairness among drivers. However, he cautioned that such mechanisms must function strictly within the legal framework and should not inconvenience tourists or interfere with official duties.
Expressing concern over reports of unions setting up road checkpoints and junction controls, the Chief Secretary said these practices create unnecessary inconvenience for visitors and negatively impact the region’s image. He stressed that with police personnel already deployed round-the-clock, there is no justification for parallel enforcement systems by private groups.
Kundra directed that no unauthorised checkpoints be established and instructed that any enforcement-related matters must be handled in coordination with the police authorities.
The meeting also discussed issues related to the Biker Association, including inter-regional vehicle operations, permit systems and adherence to the Motor Vehicles Act. The need for uniform regulations and better coordination among stakeholders was highlighted.
To resolve pending concerns, the Chief Secretary directed that a separate बैठक be convened with the All Ladakh Tour Operators Association (ALTOA), transport unions and police authorities to ensure a coordinated and consistent approach.
Senior officials, including the Director General of Police Leh, Secretary Transport, SSP Leh and other concerned officers, attended the meeting.
