Sikkim district administration invites aggrieved transporters for talks

GANGTOK:

The State District Administration on Thursday invited the Sikkim Progressive Youth Forum (SPYF) and members of various driver associations for talks because of the ongoing protests demanding a review of transportation policies.

The driver associations today held a counter-protest against SPYF at the same spot leading to tense moments.

The driver associations said that the demands made by SPYF are unreasonable given the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are following government norms, the SPYF cannot come with such demands that may affect our livelihood,” one driver said.

The members of SPYF rejected any direct talks with the representatives of drivers. Later they accepted the invitation by the district administration for table talk between the two warring sides.

Government guidelines for carrying fewer passengers in taxis have led to the rise in passenger fares, hence the SPYF has asked the government to do away with such guidelines which have pinched the budget of daily commuters.

Meanwhile, protesting drivers have maintained that they support the guidelines of the government.