Transporters’ strike hits life in Jammu
Tribune News Service
Jammu, October 1
Strike called by the transporters hit the normal life in Jammu and Kashmir as more than 60,000 passenger buses and minibuses remained off the roads on Monday.
Inter-district and inter-state bus services were affected by the strike which was called by the All Jammu and Kashmir Transporters ‘Welfare Association over a steep rise in prices of petrol and diesel. The association is seeking 30 per cent fare hike to offset the fuel price rise. Apart from the increase in fare, the transporters have demanded transparency in the functioning of the regional transport offices.
Due to the strike, there was a thin attendance in offices and educational institutions. Many private schools, especially kindergartens, had already announced holiday on Monday. With private buses not plying, the inter-district traffic almost came to a standstill. Only private vehicles plied on the roads.
“Due to the rising prices and taxes imposed on the transport sector, a hike in the fare is the only solution. We are facing huge losses due to the policies of the Central government,” said Tarlok Singh Wazir, president of the association.