Dhangadhi, July 30

Normal life has been affected in the far-west region after Far-western Transport Entrepreneurs’ Association shut down public transport services indefinitely from today.

The association decided to shut transport services after a new transport committee — Badimalika Transport Entrepreneurs Association — began plying its vehicles in the region.

The Association has called for a bandh in all nine districts of far-western region since this morning.

Tension ran high after police arrested five transport labourers while they were protesting against the new association yesterday.

Chairman of Far-western Transport Entrepreneurs’ Association and Joint Protest Committee Coordinator Tek Raj Joshi said they had called for an indefinite bandh after police arrested labourers.

He warned of continuing the agitation until labourers Tek Khadka, Prithivi Joshi, Ram Thapa, Yadav Aire and Chandra Prasad Mishra were released unconditionally.

He accused Badimalika Transport Entrepreneurs of cheating the police and local administration and not providing better services.

Kailali Tempo and Bus Entrepreneurs committee, Dhangadhi; Saileshwori Transport Private Limited, Doti; Karnal River Side Transport Entrepreneurs Association, Dhangadi; Mahakali Seti Transport Entrepreneurs Committee, Mahendranagar; Pawandut Transport Entrepreneurs Association, Mahendranagar; among others have halted transportation services expressing solidarity with the protest.