transport strike
Buses remain parked Guwahati during strike.(File photo)

The 24-hour transport strike began on Monday, has affected normal life in city as public transport buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws were off the roads.

The strike has been called by the All-Assam Motor Transport Association seeking revision of fuel prices.

Commuters in Guwahati, who depend on city buses and other public transports, had tough time reaching their work places as the buses and share taxis did not operate.

Transport department officials said they are plying ASTC buses, adding that they are also trying to convince the employees to attend to duty and not to cause hindrance to public.

The strike is supported by various organisations. The association said if the government does not respond to their demand, a 48-hour strike would be called on June 11.

“The state government had revised the fuel prices on October 11, 2012, for the last time. Since then, the prices have been increased several times. We have submitted a memorandum to the state government twice but have not got any positive response yet,” president of the association Pulak Goswami said.

The Assam committee of the All India Road Transport Workers’ Federation has urged all sections of society to support the strike.

“The BJP-led government has been working for the interest of the corporates only. People have been harassed by the fuel price hike. All essential commodities have come under the purview of GST. But for the interest of the corporates, the government does not include petroleum products under the GST. Through the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, the BJP is trying to initiate communal clashes. We have to prevent such attempts,” it said.

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