Bus stir declared illegal

NEW DELHI, SEPT 28:The on-going strike by private bus owners for a six paise/km hike in fares took a new twist today with the State Government declaring the strike “illegal” even as the owners’ association decided to continue the stir.

The strike, following the upward revision in the prices of diesel and petrol effected by the Centre recently, entered the third day today, paralysing bus services all over the State.

The Government also decided to invoke the provisions of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) and requisition buses to provide a let up in the situation. The claim by transport department officials that over 150 buses had already been requisitioned from Cuttack and Jajpur districts has been refuted by a spokesman.