Transport Association says chakka bandh to continue, Transport Minister says otherwise

Guwahati: Talks between Assam Transport Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary and office bearers of All Assam Motor Transport Association (AAMTA) on Tuesday failed to break the impasse as the government failed to resolve the issues of the transporters. The Transport Association said that the chakka bandh would continue. Today was day two of the transporters strike.

"We wanted a written commitment from the government that our issues would be addressed in seven days. But they could not give that to us. We said we will not raise passenger fares but allow 100 per cent passengers in the buses with masks. They said they will have to consult with the health department on this. Our talks have failed. The indefinite strike will continue. We will also consult our core committee," Pradip Das, Secretary General of AAMTA told reporters after the meeting.

Sharma also said that the Association had submitted a memorandum with their issues at least six months back when the lockdown had started. "If the government had the right intent then they would have come prepared today," a disappointed and upset looking Das said.

While the Association officials said that the strike would continue, Transport Minister Patowary said that they have assured that the strike would be called off.

The minister said that the transport department would require at least seven days to discuss the demand of the Association to allow 100 per cent passengers with masks with the health department and the other issues raised by the Association with the finance department. The transport department would get back to the Association post the discussions with the respective departments.

Meanwhile, despite the fact that at least 250 ASTC buses have been pressed into service as city buses and another 600 buses are being used for inter-state operations, commuters, particularly office goers and professionals are facing a tough time.