One-day transport strike in Jammu and Kashmir affects normal life

Jammu: Normal life was disrupted in Jammu today due to the one-day token strike by transporters of Jammu and Kashmir in support of their demand for a 40 per cent increase in passenger fares.

Mini Bus Workers' Union observed a one-day token strike in support of their demand for an increase in passenger fares for all types of commercial vehicles. Public transport did not operate in Jammu and its adjoining areas.

Government offices, banks and schools and other offices witnessed thin attendance, officials said.

Transporters also held a demonstration in favour of their demand.

"Government has yet not considered our demand of 40 per cent enhancement of fare charges on the basis of a steep hike in petrol and diesel prices and other essential commodities", Jagatar Singh, president of a transport union, said.

He claimed that the transporters were facing heavy losses due to hike in petrol and diesel prices.

Mr Singh warned that if the state government did not take a decision in favour of transporters, various associations representing the fraternity would intensify the agitation.