Srinagar: Amid shutdown, the traders associations in Tangmarg and Gulmarg area of Baramulla district Saturday staged a protest and blocked highway at Tangmarg against Gulmarg Gandola for starting online ticket selling process.

Protesters said that e-ticketing is direct attack on their livelihood as “we were earning our livelihood by helping the tourists in getting the tickets and accompanying them till Gandola.”

They said it was earlier 30% online then it was increased to 50% but now it’s totally online and time fixation is main hindrance in this.

Traders President asked why government was snatching their shelter, saying “this is cheer injustice with us.”

The protesters raised slogans against the concerned authorities.

Later, Sub-District Magisterate (SDM) Gulmarg and Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Tangmarg visited the spot to pacify the protesters.

SDM Gulmarg said that they will hold a meeting with all the officers and MD Cable car.

Meanwhile, Managing Director, J&K Cable Car Corporation Limited, Shamim Ahmad Wani told Kashmir News Service (KNS) that decision was taken by the government after proper consideration.

He added the decision is in favour of the persons affiliated with the trade. “The tour guide was supposed to get only ten tickets in a day but now they can buy tickets without any limits,” he said.

Wani further added that they have also issued passes for the tour guides; therefore there will be no restrictions on them.