LAMKA, January 7: Villagers of Singat sub-division last night swamp the DC`™s office opposing bus fare hike of the Lamka to Singat/ Behiang route and demanded roll back of the increased fare.
They said the fare hike was a direct blow to the poor villagers.
With prices of both diesel and petrol being slashed ever since the BJP led NDA government came to power, the hike in fares of passenger bus is uncalled for and at the same time unacceptable, a protestor said.
The hike in fare is like serving extortion to the poor by the vehicle owners`™, another protestor said before demanding the authority to step in and do the needful.
The Lamka to Singat/ Behiang Bus Owners`™ Association had announced the fare hike on December 10 and said that the hike from Rs 60 to Rs 90 for the approximately 32 km long stretch would be effective from January 5.
Villagers from all over the sub-division arrived at the DC`™s office in more than 40 vehicles and protested the fare hike.
Earlier yesterday, the villagers deciding to protest the fare hike had also formed a JAC during a meeting held at Singat Bazar from where they proceeded towards the DC`™s office.
The DC had asked the protestors to give him three-day time so that he could consult the Singhat MLA GS Haupu, but failed to pacify the protestors.
The protestors were however controlled by CCpur Police team led by SDPO Immanuel Fimate and Inspector MA Salam.
The DTO is said to be in Imphal meeting the concerned authorities on the issue, although it cannot be confirmed till the filing of this report whether a solution has been brought to the issue.