Chakka bandh affects life

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, April 25: With motor transport workers keeping off the road and Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) running a skeleton bus service today, commuters in Guwahati had a harrowing time.

Along with rest of the country, the All India Road Transport Workers’ Federation (AIRTWF), Asom Petroleum Mazdoor Union (APMU), Sadou Asom Motor Shramik Jutiya Parishad (AAMSJP) and the All Assam Motor Shramik Federation (AAMSF) called a 24-hour statewide strike and chakka bandh from 5 am on April 25 in support of their various demands. The transport associations have all along been staging protests against, what they say, the arbitrary decision of the Central Governments in passing the Road Transport and Safety Bill, 2016 and in the amendment of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 against the interest of the road transport workers, especially those in the private sector.  

The North East Heavy Goods Carrier Truck Owners and Drivers’ Welfare Association also extended its support to the chakka bandh.     

The four organizations today registered their protest at Betkuchi, Bashistha Chariali, Ganeshguri, rengi and other places in the city. Barring some share taxis, autorickshaws and ASTC buses, other buses were totally off the road.

Apart from office-goers, students of schools and colleges had to face problems.