Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, March 6:

The conflict between the private bus entrepreneurs and the Prithvi Highway Bus Entrepreneurs Committee has reached a new height after the latter took five buses of the private companies, operating on Kathmandu-Pokhara route, under control.

The private bus companies said that the Prithvi Highway Bus Entrepreneurs Committee has taken their five buses under control in a bid to forcing them to drop their services on the route.

"After our over one and half months of smooth service on the route, they have again taken our buses under control and taken out their parts," said one of the private bus entrepreneur. He said four buses, two each of Makalu and Agni Yatayat and one of Panos Yatayat had been taken under control by the Committee a few days ago. The Pokhara branches of the private companies have already complained the administration about the incident and have urged all concerned authorities to help them get justice.

They also accused the local administration of ignoring their plea and of ignoring the violation of law by the other party and claimed that the administration failed to provide security to them.

"Government itself has become a mere spectator and is unable to set our buses free from the Committee." one of the private bus operator said requesting anonymity.

Meanwhile, the entrepreneurs who operate their buses under the syndicate system said that they had blocked the private buses from plying on the route to force them to enter into the system and operate on proportionate basis.

Commenting on the blockade, a central committee member of the Federation of Nepali Transport Entrepreneurs said that the move was not fair. He added the problem should be resolved through dialogue.