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Mixed response in Goa; strike hits markets, transport

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Press Trust of India Panaji
Last Updated : Sep 02 2015 | 2:07 PM IST
The strike call given by ten central trade unions today evoked a mixed response in Goa disrupting markets and transport services in several parts of the state, while many cities remained completely shut.
The day began with public transport remaining completely off the roads, but later government managed to convince state-run Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) to ply buses on main routes, trying to bring back normalcy.
Schools, banks, insurance firms and markets remained closed in towns like Mapusa, Vasco, Ponda, Valpoi, Sanguem, Sanvordem, Bicholim, Mercel and others.
"The strike was successful. We are happy with the response of the people. It was a voluntary response," Suhas Naik, Convenor, Goa Convention of Workers and All Goa Transport Operators Associations told PTI.
Fish and vegetable markets across the state also remained closed due to scarcity of supply.
"Trucks laden with vegetables which arrive from neighbouring states did not come today. Since there was no fresh stock, we preferred to close the shops," said Sohan Bepari, a vegetable vendor in Panaji market.

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Similar was the situation with fish vendors, who did not turn out this morning.
"Of the total 354 buses in the fleet, around 300 were on the roads. We serviced all the nationalised routes and important links," KTCL Managing Director Derrik Nato said.
He said couple of KTCL buses were also stoned by protestors, but actual details were awaited.
As industrial estates remained closed, protestors were seen demonstrating across the national highways today.
Police managed to break open the barricade at highway near Margao town, while several agitators were arrested on the highway near Verna village.
"The situation is now much peaceful. We have made some arrests in the industrial estate," said Superintendent of Police (South) Shekhar Prabhudesai.
Taxi services in the state was also affected as vehicles were withdrawn since midnight.
"Taxis from airport and railway stations were withdrawn since last night. Not a single taxi was plying from morning," Secretary, North Goa Tourist Taxi Owners Association, Vinayak Nanoskar said.
However, BJP workers were on the road to ensure that the strike is not successful. Several workers in the towns like Sankhalim, 45 kms away from here, managed to convice the shopkeepers not to join the strike.
"The strike is not successful. The life is normal in places like Sankhalim and neighbouring areas," claimed BJP leader and Sankhalim MLA Pramod Sawant.

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First Published: Sep 02 2015 | 2:07 PM IST

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