Deal the bus operators strike with an iron hand.

The so-called promise to bus owners association by the government to hike ticket charge is a ploy and is intended to dupe the people. Seemingly the present strike by the bus operators is a calculated one, which has been resulted from the mutual understanding between the minister and the union. Upset the people first and then make advantage out of it- is the attitude of the bus owners union and the Government.

The bus owners union has recognized that Mr Thettayil is a new recruit in the Cabinet and he could be brought under their dictate by a strike. And it is wrong notion of the bus owners. The strike of unions of the KSRTC along with private bus owners is an act of coarseness and they are in fact cutting the branch they sit. The people of the state should decide to boycott these mucky bus owners when return after strike.

The student concession is an age old decision and that cannot be averted by the threat of bus operators. However, use of speed governor and intimidation by police can be checked. Never allow tariff hike as it would further rise the price of essential commodities. Deal the bus operators strike with an iron hand.

K A Solaman