Imphal, March 31: Buses ferrying passengers along the Imphal-Moreh road have suspended services from today following an indefinite strike called by operators as a mark of protest against frequent assaults along the route on bus drivers by criminals.

The indefinite transport strike was called jointly by Indo-Burma Sugnu Road Bus Owners Welfare Union, Yairipok Bus Owners’ Welfare Union, South Eastern Transport Co-operative Society and Indo-Burma Sugnu Road Drivers’ Association.

The transporters said that a driver, identified as Ningthoujam Bruceli, was assaulted by some people at Heirok in Thoubal district on Thursday. Another driver and his helper were beaten up by some passengers on Wednesday at Keishampat bus bay.

President of Indo-Burma Sugnu Road Bus Owners’ Welfare Union L. Ibomcha Singh said the transporters would not resume service until the culprits were punished.

The transporters’ unions warned that if any bus plied during the strike, the owner and driver would face dire consequences. The Imphal-Moreh road is a part of NH 39, which links Imphal with Kohima.

Prices of vegetables soared in Imphal today following supply shortage due to the strike.