Mechi Highway Bandh Affects Life

Taplejung/December 5

The bandh on Mechi Highway called by the student unions protesting the high rate of fare affected life in all four districts of Mechi Zone on December 5.

The student unions including NSU, ANNISU-R, ANNFSU and Limbuwan Students Union had called for the bandh after the talks with transporters held in Taplejung failed. The student unions demanded fare of Rs 2.10 per kilometer instead of Rs 3.50 that the transporters are currently charging.

No long and short distance vehicles plied in the districts including Taplejung. In Ilam, however, some short distance vehicles were on the roads. Most travellers on the highway were left stranded from the morning.

Bhola Paudel, of ANNFSU Taplejung chairperson said they were forced to call for bandh after their demand of maintaining the fare as per the agreement with the government was not implemented.

Ashok Kumar Bantawa