Thousands in Bengaluru struggled this morning as metro services came to a halt for nearly seven hours over a protest by its employees against the arrest of their colleagues. The services have been resumed after negotiations with the workers, who were on strike, was successful.
"We earlier had no problem with the management. Suddenly yesterday, after the police hit us, they came in to arrest. We were upset that they were allowed inside - they can only come in with management permission. We wondered why the management had let them in," said Siddanagowda, an employee.
Metro trains across the IT city had not been running since 5 am. The first trains only ran around noon when the strike was called off - but it did disrupt the day for many commuters.
Another passenger who was not aware about the strike said, "I want to go to Mantri Mall, but it is closed today so I am worried."
About 35 metro staff allegedly retaliated, after which six employees were arrested. Four of them have been released but the metro staff is demanding that the remaining two be let off. Two constables of the Karnataka State Industrial Security Forces were also arrested on the complaint of a Metro staffer.
"Next week there is a meeting with elected representatives, workers representatives and Metro management. Based on that decision, the Metro trains have started running again," said Mr Nimbalkar.
Extra police security was provided at metro stations recently because of strident protests over the three-language rule and the use of Hindi in metro signboards and announcements.
Earlier this week, signs at some stations were masked to cover up the Hindi portions.
"We earlier had no problem with the management. Suddenly yesterday, after the police hit us, they came in to arrest. We were upset that they were allowed inside - they can only come in with management permission. We wondered why the management had let them in," said Siddanagowda, an employee.
Metro trains across the IT city had not been running since 5 am. The first trains only ran around noon when the strike was called off - but it did disrupt the day for many commuters.
Another passenger who was not aware about the strike said, "I want to go to Mantri Mall, but it is closed today so I am worried."
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About 35 metro staff allegedly retaliated, after which six employees were arrested. Four of them have been released but the metro staff is demanding that the remaining two be let off. Two constables of the Karnataka State Industrial Security Forces were also arrested on the complaint of a Metro staffer.
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"Next week there is a meeting with elected representatives, workers representatives and Metro management. Based on that decision, the Metro trains have started running again," said Mr Nimbalkar.
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Thousands of commuters were left stranded as the metro service was interrupted.
Extra police security was provided at metro stations recently because of strident protests over the three-language rule and the use of Hindi in metro signboards and announcements.
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Earlier this week, signs at some stations were masked to cover up the Hindi portions.
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