Palpa banda enters day six

Strike in Rupandehi, Dhangadi as well PALPA, July 18 - The indefinite general strike called by students of Palpa district to protest against transport workers for not providing the government stipulated 45 percent fare discount for students entered day six on Thursday. Agitating students have prevented all kinds of ... ...from plying at Tansen Bazaar, while Shreenagar Transport Entrepreneurs Committee also obstructed vehicular movement at Bartung of Siddhartha Highway, demanding compensation for vandalism of its office by students in the course of their banda.Transportation at Gulmi and Argakhachi districts has also been badly paralyzed due to the indefinite strike.Five student unions have jointly announced the indefinite banda on Friday to protest against transport workers for charging hefty fares and not providing 45 percent discount to students as agreed with the government earlier.The situation had taken a dire turn after transport workers attacked the banda organizing students on Sunday, injuring over two dozen of them. Students have said they will not cease their agitation unless their demands are addressed and those guilty of the attack on students are punished.The indefinite strike has hugely affected life in Palpa district.Chief District Officer Shambhu Ghimire said the import of foodstuff, fuel and other daily commodities have stopped due to the banda.Meanwhile, life in Rupandehi district also remains crippled due to the indefinite transport strike called by students demanding 45 percent student discount on public transport fares. Agitating students set ablaze two motorcycles and vandalized a jeep for defying the strike on Thursday.The general strike called by Kailali Chamber of Industries and Commerce at Dhangadi has also affected life. Protesting the syndicate system of Seti Mahakali Truck Entrepreneurs Association, Kailali Chamber of Industries and Commerce has organized the strike for the past five days.On Wednesday only, Dhangadi was relieved of a two-day banda called by the Tharu community there.Lack of medical attention kills womanGULMI, July 17 (PR) - Twenty-one years old Sarita Kumal of Amarpur-2, who was critically injured after falling from a tree, died on Thursday as she could not receive timely medical attention due to the ongoing indefinite general strike.As transportation was obstructed by agitating students, a police van had taken Sarita to the district hospital at Tamghas, where she was pronounced dead. Likewise, Saraswati Panthi, 30, of Bhanbhaney VDC-2, who was injured after being buried in a landslide, had to be carried to the district headquarters in Tamghas by her family members for treatment. An injured Saraswati, who was brought to the district hospital 10 hours after the accident, is said to be in critical condition.

Add to: del.icio.us | Digg