The strike called by different transport unions had paralysised traffic services in the mountainous district of Garhwal region on Wednesday. Most of the banks were closed except the branches of State Bank of India and Uttarakhand Gramin Bank. The strike partially affected works in post offices and lIC branch offices. Buses of the private companies and State roadways were off the roads. The same was the case with taxis and maxi cabs.
Those supporting the strike staged rallies against the labour policies of the NDA Government in the Centre.
The rally started from Ramlila ground and, snaking through many roads, ended in the bus station in Pauri. The protestors sloganeered and asked the people to join hands with them in venting anger against the Centre for its unjustifiably stringent laws enforced on them.
Buses of GMOU, TGMO, Garhwal Mandal Bahuudhasyee Samiti ltd and taxi and maxi cabs under Taxi –Max Mahasangh did not run in any part of Pauri Garhwal district. The common people had to bear the brunt of the strike as transportation came to a grinding halt. The impact of the strike was seen in Pauri, Srinagar, Kotdwar and Satpuli.
The strike had its toll of transport in several other districts across Garhwal region like Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Uttarkashi and Tehri.