Bandh today; KTC,police geared up
Pvt buses to stay off roads
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JULY 4
While BJP’s all India bandh declared to protest the hike in oil prices coincides with the bandh announced by All Goa Bus Owners Association (AGBOA) to demand rise in the bus fare on Monday, the Goa Police and the Transport Department will have a tough job to reign in miscreants and keep buses plying.
Speaking to Herald, Transport Director Arun Dessai said they have asked KTC to bring additional buses on road tomorrow. Besides its regular fleet, additional sixty buses will ply.
Also, warning has been issued to bus owners that their temporary licences will be cancelled if found participating in the bandh, said Dessai further adding that “this bandh is illegal as ESMA is in operation, which was introduced in April this year.”
The ESMA remains in operation for six months and in this case its validity ends on September 30.
On the other hand Sudeep Tamankar, Secretary, North Goa Bus Owners’ Association said all 1700 private buses will be kept off the road during the bandh. The Association decided to go ahead with the decision of bandh tomorrow as they are not happy with 22.50 per cent hike decided by the government.
They have been demanding 50 per cent hike, which was declined by the government.
To ensure that organisers of bandh don’t play any mischief, all assistant directors of transport have been directed to be at the bus stands tomorrow and ensure bus services are not interrupted. Moreover, officers have been asked to take strict action against those playing mischief, said Desai.
On the other hand, police have also geared up to tackle tomorrow’s bandh. All police stations have been given additional police force of 50, informed police sources.
Also, police have sent letters to Shiv Sainiks warning them against inciting people to participate in the bandh. They have been told that action will be taken against them under Section of Cr pc if found creating ruckus tomorrow.
