ABBOTTABAD: Transporters of Abbottabad went on a complete strike on Wednesday against the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) taking over the General Bus Stand.
All coaches, Hi-S vans and buses plying on Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Galiat, Haripur, Mansehra and other inter-district routes remained closed, causing severe hardship to the citizens.
The previous day, the TMA had taken administrative control of the General Bus Stand by taking action. Several offices and shops located in the stand were closed and taken into custody, while instructions were issued to transporters to park all vehicles within the official limits and deposit regular fees through TMA.
Transporters have termed the move as “forced occupation” and have taken a stand that they have been running the stand for the past 30 years and suddenly closing their business is tantamount to snatching their livelihood.
Transporter organizations announced in a joint press conference that the strike will continue until the administration negotiates and the old procedure is restored.
Leaders said that TMA has made business unbearable by imposing additional stand fees.Thousands of passengers were seen stranded at various terminals and roads since early morning. Students, government employees, people going to private offices, patients and tourists were looking for alternative means.
Many passengers were forced to pay heavy fares on taxis and private vehicles. A citizen commented on the situation and said “I was going to Islamabad but no vehicle is available, the entire city is closed”. Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad termed the strike illegal and said that the purpose of taking over the bus stand is to provide facilities to passengers, not to harm transporters.
The administration has warned that route permits may also be canceled. Business activities are being affected due to the suspension of transport in the city, while passengers have demanded immediate government intervention.It is being feared that the strike will be prolonged if the issues between the transporters and the administration are not resolved.
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