Parlakhemundi: The district headquarters and the business centre of Gajapati district wore a deserted look owing to a strike called by the Private Bus Workers’ Association Saturday. More than 80 buses plying on different routes stayed off the roads here following the strike.
Business establishments remained closed while commuters had to face unwanted problems. Commuters could be seen stranded at different bus depots as they were unaware of the strike. The strike is being observed to protest against the attack on a bus conductor by the owner of another bus.
According to sources, a bus conductor, Loknath Sahu, was allegedly beaten up by the owner of a bus. This spread tension among other members of the bus who called for the rally.
“Our colleague was beaten up by the owner of a bus. We condemn this act and demand an apology from the owner and a written assurance that he will not repeat the act in the future,” said president of Motor Workers’ Association, P Krishna, adding that a police complaint has also been lodged in this regard.
The agitation will continue till our demand is not fulfilled, Krishna added.
PNN
