Hyderabad: RTC strike entered its second day across Telangana. Workers staged protests at depots and disrupted bus services. Commuters faced hardship due to the disruption.
RTC employees held dharnas in front of depots across the state. They raised slogans demanding resolution of their issues. Meanwhile, police detained several workers in multiple districts.
Authorities also stopped JAC leaders who attempted to support the agitation. Police arrested several of them. In Hyderabad, police took JAC chairman Eeduru Venkanna and other leaders into custody.
RTC strike intensifies as arrests reported and services hit
Workers blocked buses from leaving depots. As a result, services came to a halt in several areas. Commuters faced difficulties for the second consecutive day.
Private vehicle operators charged higher fares. In addition, passengers struggled to find affordable transport.
In Jangaon, police stopped a dharna near the RTC depot. They removed tents citing lack of permission. This led to tension between workers and police.
Workers expressed anger over police action. Further, the situation turned tense for a brief period.
JAC leaders warned of intensifying the agitation if the government fails to respond. Eeduru Venkanna said workers waited 14 days after issuing notices. Only then did they begin the RTC strike.
He said employees are ready for talks at any time. However, he blamed the government’s delay for the situation.