GUWAHATI: People had to suffer a lot of hardships owing to the 24-hour strike called by several organizations in the state on Tuesday.
All India Road Transport Workers' Federation (AIRTWF), Assam Petroleum Mazdur Union (APMU), All Assam Motor Workers' Joint Union (AAMWJU) and
All Assam Motor Sramik Federation
(AAMSF) have called the strike to press for various demands.
City bus services
were hit because of the strike, leaving commuters in the lurch. "It was very difficult today to board a bus. Only a handful of buses plied. I had to wait for one hour at the bus stop," said Rakesh Bordoloi, a student.
Since morning, every city bus stand in the city witnessed a huge gathering of students and office-goers. Though many opted for app-driven cabs, the fares were high. "I had an urgent appointment at 10 am. I booked a cab from my home to Paltan Bazar. I had to pay extra money," said Ankur Baisya.
"We need security for our kids. If we can't work for a single day, we are in trouble. So, we have been demanding an act which can guarantee our safety and security. Besides, the government has decided to hike the fees for insurance, registration and other things which is extremely difficult for us to follow. We appeal to the government to reconsider the decision," said Biren Sarma of AIRTWF.
Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) MD Anand Prakash Tiwari said the bus servce was normal. "The ASTC had deployed additional 30 buses in the city," he added.