Bandipora, Sept. 14 -- Suhail Rather

A wave of discontent is brewing among tipper drivers in Bandipora as they raise their voices against the unregulated and skyrocketing rates of sand in the district. Drivers allege that the unchecked price rise has made it almost impossible for them to earn their livelihood and sustain daily operations.

According to the drivers, sand is being sold at unusually high prices in many parts of Bandipora. What has further aggravated the situation, they say, is the large-scale lifting of sand by tippers coming from outside the district. These vehicles allegedly transport the material to Srinagar, where it is sold at even higher rates, while local tipper drivers are left grappling with unaffordable costs.

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