Transport entrepreneurs in mid-western Tarai have protested against the strike imposed by Madhesi and Tharuhat Front. Trade and transportation has been badly affected since the last 23 days because of the strikes. Nepalgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry's chief Krishna Prasad Shrestha said that local industries have remained shut and imports have been affected because of the prolonged strike and subsequent lack of transportation. "Although one or two shops have opened, supply of commodities is diminishing," he said. "This has resulted in price hike." Shrestha added the strike has forced all local industries to stop production. "The protestors have closed all the trade points of Nepalgunj, nothing is coming in or going out," he said calling on to call off the strike. "Till when are we going to stay quite about this issue? It is unjust for any party to shut down these sectors in the name of strike." Agitated by the strike transport entrepreneurs affiliated to half a dozen local transportation committees swarmed the roads on Thursday with their vehicles. Short route vehicles resumed transportation services along the Nepalgunj-Kohalpur route. "Transport operators and workers had to resume the services out of desperation," said Govinda Pokhrel, vice chairman of Namaste Nepal Transport Entrepreneur Committee. "For the last 23 days the income source of many operators and workers was snatched. We are forced into desperation by the protests and no one can stop us now," Man Prasad Acharya, chief of Bageshwori Transport Entrepreneur Committee said. "Talks are being held to ease vehicular movement with the parties that have called for the strike. But all the transport committees have agreed to run vehicles, whatever the outcome of the talk is," informed Acharya. Meanwhile, protesting party United Tharuhat Struggle Committee's Banke coordinator Chandra Bahadur Chaudhary expressed dissatisfaction over transport entrepreneurs move. "It has come to our attention that they have been running vehicles without consulting us. We will soon make a decision over this issue" said Chaudhary. Meanwhile strike has been eased at Ghorahi and Tulsipur bazaar of Dang whereas the Tharu dominated Lamahi remained shut on Thursday also, Republica reporter in Dang, Devendra Basnet reported. The prolonged strike in the area has created acute shortage of commodities and goods. Secretary of Dang's Chamber of Commerce and Industry said, "It is useless to open the shops given that there are no commodities to sell." Normal life in Dhangadi of Kailali also remained affected by strike and curfews, Republica correspondent Dil Bahadur Chattyal reported. Transportation, businesses and schools remained close in Tikapur, Kailali, Republica correspondent Yogeshwor Aryal reported. Aryal said that curfew that has been in place since August 24, is lifted by authorities 7 to 10 every morning. Gulariya, Baasgadi and Bhurigaun of Bardiya remained shut on Thursday with handful of shops opening to sell daily commodities under risky conditions, our correspondent in the district Nirmal Ghimire informed. However, life in Mahendranagar gradually returned to normal in Mahendranagar, our correspondent in Kanchanpur, Rajendra Bhatta reported. Pic: Transport entreprenuers with their vehicles in Nepalgunj. They resumed transportation services in local routes defying banda, terming it as an move out of desperation.