Transport stir paralyses Karnataka, over 50 buses damaged

After bus employees across the state called for indefinite strike in demand of parity in wages, miscreants damaged nearly 70 buses today.

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In Short

  • Bus employees call for indefinite strike in Karnataka.
  • Miscreants damaged nearly 70 buses after they pelted stones at them.
  • Following the call for strike, govt declared two-day holiday.

With the employees of government-owned bus companies on a stir across Karnataka, commuters had a tough time, as the striking employees even stopped private buses from operating between cities. Nearly 70 buses owned by the government were damaged when they were stoned by miscreants.

The employees of KSRTC, BMTC, NEKRTC and NWKRTC declared an indefinite strike last week demanding parity in wages and better benefits. However, talks between the employees unions and the government failed with buses remaining off roads in Karnataka. With a limited railway network, people in Karnataka rely extensively on buses operated by various companies owned by the government.

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TWO DAY HOLIDAY DECLARED

The government declared a two-holiday for schools and colleges, as students travel in buses between villages and cities. The district headquarters of Madikeri, Mysuru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Kalaburgi, Shivamogga, Hassan and Belagavi wore a deserted look as commercial establishments also remained shut fearing repercussions of the strike.

Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urged the employees on strike to resume work, but they were adamant about their demands. The government has called for another round of meeting with the employees later today.