Raiganj, July 8: Private bus operators have called an indefinite strike throughout North Dinajpur district from tomorrow in protest against the alleged “high-handedness” of the Citu.

The CPM-affiliated trade union has been opposing the termination of job of an alleged truant driver.

Under the banner of Raiganj Bus and Mini Bus Owners’ Association, the operators have also threatened to stop movement of long distance buses passing through Raiganj. In that case, around 18,000-20,000 passengers will be affected everyday.

The subdivisional officer of Raiganj, Ashok Das has declared the strike illegal and threatened to take action.

“I had convened a meeting to sort out the problem on July 6. But the owners had stayed away from the meeting. I have invited them for another round of talks tomorrow. If they do not turn up and go for the strike, we shall take necessary action,” Das said.

According to Das, the North Bengal State Transport Corporation has been asked to arrange for additional fleet for the strike period.

The secretary of the bus owners’ association, Asok Chanda, said the owner of a bus in the Vatol-Churamon route had appointed a new driver in place of a man who had not been reporting to duty for a prolonged period without notice.

In protest, the Citu had put up flags on the bus and did not allow the vehicle to ply since Tuesday.

The matter was brought to the notice of district authorities. But the administration allegedly did not take any step against the erring Citu workers, the association secretary said.

“We observed a token strike on July 5 and gave an ultimatum to the administration to take off the flags from the bus within 48 hours, failing which we would go for an indefinite strike. But nothing was done,” Chanda said.

Ram Saha, the district secretary of the Citu-affiliated North Dinajpur Motor Workers’ Association, however, said the absentee driver had been suffering from breathing problem and had to be admitted to the Raiganj district hospital.

He has been advised bed rest by the doctor. The driver had informed all these developments to the owner.

“The owner had agreed to reinstate the driver after he was declared medically fit. But when he came to join duty, he was turned away. It was a breach of trust on the part of the owner.”

“Our protest will continue till his reinstatement,” Saha said.