PANJIM: The nation-wide strike called by trade unions to protest against the Central government’s proposed Road Transport and Safety Bill was largely successful and mostly peaceful in Goa.
While private buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws, two-wheeler taxis stayed off the road, KTC buses were in operation throughout the State.
Tension erupted briefly in Calangute when police detained North Goa Tourist Taxi Owners’ Association (NGTTOA) spokesperson Laxman Bappa Korgaonkar for reasons unknown.
Operations at Sancoale and Verna industrial estates were also briefly hindered as workers were not allowed to enter the premises. Around 200 members of the workers’ union blocked the main gate and access road of Verna IDC in the morning and used force to stop workers from entering and causing tension briefly. Herald brings you town-wise round up of the events of the day.
Curchorem observes peaceful bandh
CURCHOREM: Excluding banks and pharmacies, all commercial establishments in Curchorem, including the market and petrol pumps, were closed in support of the All India Road Transport Workers Federation (AIRTWF) strike against the Central government’s proposed Road Transport and Safety Bill.
A few KTC buses were in operation, but private buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws, two-wheeler taxis stayed off the road. Due to lack of transport, the attendance in schools was low.
Under the supervision of PI Ravindra Dessai, police made elaborate arrangements to tackle law and order situations in the village. Motor Vehicle Inspector Anil Bhamaikar informed that they helped the KTC buses and their passengers leave Curchorem safely. He stated, “No untoward incident was reported in the area.”
Bicholim forced to support
BICHOLIM: While Sankhali shopkeepers went about their business as usual, overzealous supporters of the trade union strike forced the rest of Bicholim to observe the nation-wide bandh against the Road Transport Bill.
Despite being the bazaar day, most shopkeepers across the taluka downed their shutters, with only pharmacies remaining open.
In the morning, the strike supporters tried to ‘convince’ vendors not to sell their goods or open their shops. A fisherwoman who resisted was in for a rude shock when one of them poured kerosene on her fish.
They also forced petrol pumps to stop refuelling vehicles, due to which customers had to travel to Sanquelim for fuel. Additionally, a Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) bus was stoned near Zantye College of Commerce, while the tires of another bus heading to Mayem were punctured near the Zantye cashew factory. Vegetables and other essential commodities were also unavailable in the Bicholim market.
Tourists bear the brunt in Calangute
CALANGUTE: Tourists faced the brunt of the trade union strike in the Calangute coastal belt as they were forced to walk to their destinations. The strike in Calangute was largely peaceful, except for a minor stone-throwing incident at Baga and the arrest of taxi owners’ association spokesperson.
While liquor shops and travel agencies remained open, all other shops and banks in the villages were closed. Taxis and private buses also stayed off the road, giving a few private car owners the opportunity to make a fast buck by renting out their vehicles to tourists.
KTC buses plied on Calangute-Panjim route later in the day, but it hardly mattered as the locals and working class had stayed at home. The strike also affected the attendance at schools. While schools were open, most parents preferred to keep their children at home.
Police personnel were also posted at every corner in Calangute and Candolim to prevent untoward incidents. However, tension briefly prevailed when Calangute police detained North Goa Tourist Taxi Owners’ Association (NGTTOA) spokesperson Laxman Bappa Korgaonkar for reasons unknown.
Adv Suhas Naik and Sudeep Tamankar rushed to Calangute police station and met Police Inspector Tushar Vernekar for Korgaonkar’s release.
Sattari wears a deserted look
VALPOI: Sattari bore a deserted look as most commercial units supported the strike called by the All India Road Transport Workers Federation.
Private buses, trucks, pickups, tempos, rickshaws, motorcycle pilots stayed off the road, while only a few KTC buses were active. Many private buses could be seen parked at the new KTC bus stand in Valpoi.
Sources stated that all private companies at Honda and Pissurle industrial estates had downed their shutters, and not a single factory was open in those areas.
Lack of transport also affected the functioning of schools and government offices in the taluka, especially Valpoi. Schools had to close early as most students stayed at home, while only a few government employees were working.
Mixed response in Bardez
PORVORIM: The call for an all-India bandh evoked a mixed response in Bardez.
In Mapusa, most shops were shut in the morning and opened as the day progressed. Though the Mapusa fish market was closed for the day, fish was available at other places. Fruit vendors also chose to arrive later in the day. However, petrol pumps, pharmacies, government and private offices were functioning as usual.
Private buses, tourist taxis, yellow-black taxis, and rickshaws also stayed off-roads, while Kadamba buses were plying on most routes.
