Transporters go on strike against new Covid norms

Jammu, April 21

Private transporters in Jammu went on indefinite strike on Wednesday to protest a government order capping the seating capacity to 50 per cent in public transport vehicles in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The new guidelines, which also include restrictions on opening of shops at market places and malls, came into effect on Wednesday morning.

Protesting against the order, the transporters launched a strike to press for hiking of fares. While most private buses, mini-buses and cab operators suspended work in response to the strike call given by the J&K Transporters Welfare Forum (TWF), three-wheelers were seen plying normally, bringing some relief to commuters.

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“The government has taken a decision without consulting us. It is not feasible for transporters to ply their vehicles with 50 per cent passengers on board. The fuel prices are skyrocketing and the transporters were the hardest hit since the outbreak of the pandemic,” TWF president TS Wazir said.

The government, meanwhile, pressed State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) buses on different routes to facilitate commuters, but the non-availability of public transport caused inconvenience.

Policemen were also seen patrolling main markets in the city to enforce the government order to keep 50 per cent of the shops closed. Among the new Covid-19 control measures announced on Tuesday, the government imposed a night curfew in municipal and urban local body limits of all 20 districts in the Union Territory. — PTI

Their grouse

Transporters’ union chief TS Wazir says the government has taken the decision without consulting them. It is not feasible for transporters to ply with 50 per cent passengers. The fuel prices are skyrocketing and the transporters are the hardest hit, he adds.