The firm decision of the Central trade unions to go ahead with their two-day strike tomorrow and the day after (Feb. 20 & 21) is bound to disrupt normal life in city with the KSRTC and private transport operators going off the roads. Banks and other institutions will also down their shutters in support of the strike.

The nation-wide strike is backed by all the non-Congress parties. Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), which is close to the Congress, Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), the Left-affiliated unions, Hindusthan Mazdoor Sangh (HMS), Bharathiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) and other Central federations have announced their support for the strike. The strike has been called against fuel price hike, and for violation of labour laws.

CPI (M) leader Sheshadri told SOM this morning that the members of various trade union organisations will gather at Ramaswamy Circle at 11 am tomorrow and from there, they will take out a march to the Gandhi Chowk. The leaders would then go round the city’s industrial units and get them closed, he said.

On the second day (Feb. 21), the protestors will stage a dharna at the Gandhi Chowk from 10 am to 4 pm, he said and added that industrial workers, KSRTC, private transport operators, hotel workers, traders and others would take part in the dharna.

City Police Commissioner K.L. Sudheer said in a meeting with labour organisations, they have been urged not to get industries, shops and other establishments closed forcibly.

As part of the stepped-up security measure, six KSRP platoons, eight City Armed Reserved (CAR) platoons, 200 Policemen and all the officers involved in ensuring law and order will be deployed during the two days. “Any damage to private or public property will be the responsibility of those involved in the strike,” the top cop said.

No buses: Along with the KSRTC buses going off the roads in support of the strike, private bus operators too will not be plying for the two days, said Thayur Vittalamurthy of the Mysore District Private Bus Owners’ Association. Other modes of public transport like mini-buses, tempo travellers etc., too will not be operating tomorrow, according to him.

The autorickshaw drivers of the city, however, have decided not to join in the stir but to operate as usual, in the interests of the commuters who are likely to be stranded at the bus stands and railway stations.

Industries: Will not shut but extend moral support: Mysore Chamber of Commerce and Industries (MCCI) President S. Sudhakar Shetty, speaking to media persons after presiding over a meeting of industrialists this morning, said that the industrialists will be extending moral support to the strike; however, they will not be closing the industries.

Heads of schools, colleges to decide on holiday

Deputy Commissioner Dr. Ramegowda said a decision on the closure of educational institutions will be announced later in the day. As of now, the heads of the schools and colleges can use their discretionary powers to close down during the strike.

He also said that the district administration is ready to face any kind of situation and called upon the protestors to maintain law and order.

No more licence to pawn-brokers: MCCI

Mysore, Feb. 19 (KK&KMC)- In view of the rising nu-mber of chain-snatching incidents, the MCCI has resolved to urge the district administration not to issue any more license to pawn-brokers.

MCCI President S. Sudhakar Shetty, who chaired the meeting held this morning, later told media persons that there were more than 700 pawn-brokers here. Besides, there are banks who deal with the pledging and financing aspects, said Shetty and added that the Police must book criminal cases against those who buy or lend money on mangalya chain.

Courtesy : Star Of Mysore