Transporters' strike paralyses life in J

Jammu, Jun 9 (UNI) Complete ''chakka jam'' observed by private-public transport vehicles threw normal life out of gear in Jammu and Kashmir today, with tourists here having to bear the burnt of the agitation.

The call for indefinite strike was given by the Jammu and Kashmir Transport Welfare Association (JKTWA) in demand for hike in fare prices.

Acting on JKTWA's call, all the commercial vehicles remained grounded in protest against the government's apathy to meet their demand in view of ''sky-rocketing fuel prices''.

Besides mini buses, which ply small distances in the state, the inter-district transport vehicles also remained off the roads. Only personal and government vehicles were seen plying on the roads.

The worst-hit were the tourists, who come to Jammu and Kashmir from various parts of the country and abroad. The railway station and general bus stand were flooded with the stranded passengers.

Besides transporters' strike, heavy rains in Jammu since morning added to the woes of working people. Thin attendance of staff was reported in various government and private offices throughout the state.

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