Strike by transporters paralyses life in Kashmir

Srinagar, Jun 9 (UNI) The four-day 'Chakka Jam' which began today in protest against the recent hike in petroleum products, paralysed life in the Kashmir valley.

Though the authorities claimed to have made elaborate arrangements for plying bus service, only a few State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) buses could be seen plying on some routes in the city.

The 'Chakka Jam' call was given by All Kashmir Transporters Welfare Association (AKTWA) in protest against the steep hike in diesel, petrol and other petroleum products.

Demanding immediate hike in the fare, the AKTWA said the government should restore subsidy on all petroleum products which had affected the common people.

No commercial vehicle was plying on any routes in the city.

Buses and other passengers vehicles on district routes were also off the roads in support of the four-day 'Chakka Jam' call.

Thousands of vehicles were parked at different bus stands and other places.

However, a UNI correspondent who visited a number of areas in the city saw only private vehicles plying on routes which otherwise remained busy throughout the day.

A number of supporters of the call caught many Tata Sumo drivers near General bus stand who were boarding passengers.

However, their tyres were deflected and they were left with a warning.

But vehicles carrying ill patients were allowed to ply.

Strike by transporters had also affected normal work in government departments as employees could not reach their respective offices because of lack of transport facilities.

A less number of patients could be seen in outdoor departments of SMHS and other hospitals because of the transport strike.

Schools and other educational institutions having their own transport and those availing SRTC bus facilities were functioning normally. However, the students availing private bus service could not make it to their institutions.

UNI BAS JT GC1235