Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, January 11:

Calling on the government to take back the “most-criticised” decision to raise the prices of petroleum products, the Nepal Taxi Drivers’ Union organised a protest rally and chakkajam today.

It also accused the government of raising the fuel prices just to starve the people. “Since the people cannot afford the price hike, there’s no use running our taxis,” said Nepal Taxi Drivers’ Union (NTDU) president Uttam Khadgi, adding that protests would continue until the government knelt down, even as in-charge of the NTDU, Ganga Ram Khadgi, said that the NTDU would run taxis in cooperation with the passengers for the time being. Meanwhile, all trade unions have decided to organise an hour-long chakkajam and take out a rally from Bhotahity at 1pm tomorrow.

The Bagmati Zone Transport Entrepreneurs Coordination Council has given a seven-day ultimatum to the government to either take back the decision or increase transportation fares accordingly. The council has threatened that protests would be organised if their demand is not met. President of the council, Punya Lal Pradhan, said the council would increase transporation fares by some 33 per cent in the valley. “Heeding the request of student leaders, the council will not run its vehicles in Bhaktapur tomorrow,” he said.