Phidim, November 4:

The indefinite transport strike called by taxi entrepreneurs and transport workers to protest the thrashing of a taxi driver by local youths on Friday brought transport services on Phidim-Sidin-Nangin road section to a total standstill for the fourth straight day today.

Saying that Narendra Shrestha, a taxi driver, was thrashed by the youths of Yangnam Village Development Committee on Friday, Panchthar-based taxi entrepreneurs had called the strike, demanding punishment for the guilty.

According to Rinji Sherpa, seven youths led by Surendra Jabegu of Yangnam-4 had thrashed Shrestha near Yangnam Bazaar and looted a watch and a golden chain from him after dragging him out of his taxi.

The youths had reportedly thrashed Shrestha for refusing to serve them. Sherpa said a three-side meeting between the police, the accused and the victims was scheduled in Khalangatar of Yangnam today.

However, no information about the progress of the talks was available till this report was filed.