Malda private bus helpers call off 'cease work'

MALDA, Nov 23: Workers called off their strike and buses started plying from evening. Earlier, private buses were off the roads in Malda district today following a clash between the vehicle owners and helpers. The trouble broke out late morning at private bus terminus in Malda town when wage increase discussions between owners and helpers became violent. Following the clash and after intervention of trade unions the workers called a ‘cease work’ for an indefinite period. The CPI-M-backed Citu workers’ union of private buses blocked BG Road, in front of the private bus terminus, and other busy road connectors by parking several buses on the roads this afternoon. The workers demanded the arrest of a bus owner who they alleged had beaten one of their colleagues.In consultation with the regional transport officer, the Malda SDO Mrs Arunima De has convened a meeting to sort out the problem. Daily passengers and other passengers were in trouble for this sudden decision to call ‘cease work’. n SNS