Transporters strike paralyses life in Kashmir

Srinagar, Feb 3 (UNI) A one-day strike by transporters paralysed life in the Kashmir valley today.

All kinds of passenger transport stayed off the roads in response to a call given by the Kashmir Transport Welfare Association (KTWA) in support of their demands.

The transporters' demands include an increase in fares following rising petrol prices, insurance premium and other spare parts.

They have also demanded that owners of 25-year-old vehicles be properly rehabilitated. The authorities had banned the plying of these vehicles following orders by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court. They also want the insurance premium of their vehicles to be charged as per the old rates.

A number of bus stands in the city saw drivers and conductors sitting on a dharna. Not a single passenger vehicle was seen on the roads, thereby forcing people to cover the distance on foot to reach their destination. Three wheelers and district buses also stayed off the roads.

The strike by the transporters affected work in most government offices and other commercial establishments.

It also affected business as customers preferred staying indoors.

A majority of business hubs also wore a deserted look.

The transporters also took out a procession in the civil lines area in support of their demands.

UNI