Chitral traffic police harassing bike riders

BOONI, June 10: The traffic police have started harassing motorcycle riders on the Booni-Reshun road, issuing them tickets without any justification. It has been observed that the traffic police cops stop motorcycle riders at different points on the road and ask them to produce their national identity cards, registration books or driving licences. Most of the time, they impose fine on the motorcyclists for not wearing helmet or traveling without national identity cards. One of the motorcyclists told chitraltoday.net that the main objective of the police drive was to collect money by imposing fine on the bike riders. He said during the last one week, the traffic police had imposed fine amounting to over 50,000 on the bike riders. On the other hand, the traffic police do not see any violation on the road by other vehicles. He said the police even do not impose fine on those who have connections in the police or the local administration. Another bike rider said within the last one week, he was challaned twice and forced to pay Rs620. He said the government should look into the matter and stop the traffic police from taking arbitrary action against the commuters. Most of the motorcycle riders, he added, were government employees or students.]]>