Transport strike disrupts normal life in Kathmandu

Kathmandu: Normal life was disrupted in the Nepalese capital today as transport associations enforced a public transport strike demanding formation of a separate ministry for the sector, its recognition as an industry and withdrawal of direct fine to motorists. All public transport, including buses, mini-buses and taxis, went off the road due to the indefinite strike, causing inconvenience to people. [caption id=“attachment_414331” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Reuters[/caption] However, private vehicles were plying as usual. The strike was enforced jointly by the National Federation of Nepalese Transport Entrepreneurs, All Nepal Transport Workers Association and Nepal Transport Workers Association. They were demanding formation of a separate transport ministry, recognition of the sector as an industry, implementation of insurance policy and withdrawal of direct fine of Rs 200 to Rs 1,000 to motorists by traffic police, among other things. As the initial talks held between the transport operators and government concluded without any success, the strike is likely to continue tomorrow as well. Meanwhile, workers of the youth wings belonging to the opposition Nepali Congress and CPN-UML picketed at Singhadurbar, the main government secretariat that houses the Prime Minister’s office, demanding resignation of caretaker Premier Baburam Bhattarai and obstructing movement of government officials for two hours. The picketing was organised despite stepped up security in and around Singhadurbar area. However, the protest was peaceful, Nepali Congress sources said. The picketing was part of the protest programmes launched by opposition parties for removal of Bhattarai to pave the way for formation of a national consensus government. PTI