AAMTA calls for a 24 hour strike on Monday

A 24 hour transport strike (chaka bandh) has been called by the All Assam Motor Transport Association (AAMTA) on Monday demanding revision of fare to cope with increasing prices of fuel. The strike has affected normal life in the state as public transport stay off the roads.

Officials of the transport department said that they are plying ASTC buses and that they are also trying to convince the employees not to pose as trouble to the public.

The strike is supported by various organisations as well. AAMTA said if the government does not respond to their demand, another 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", said AAMTA President Pulak Goswami.

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 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.

Daily commuters are facing problems due to the ongoing strike. In a recent development, there are also reports of violence coming in from various parts of the state.