WTA observes strike against imposition of section 144

The Water Tankers Association (WTA) on Friday observed strike in protest against the imposition of section 144 and threatened to block all major arteries of the metropolis on Monday if it was not withdrawn. Tariq Khan, Vice President, WTA told Business Recorder that around 10,000 water tankers had stopped their services in protest against the section 144, which was imposed some 45 days back.
He said that the imposition of section 144 aimed to restrict tankers for supplying water at the opening and closing timings of the offices. However, traffic police were misusing the restriction and asked Rs 2000 per tanker as bribe for plying on roads during the said time.
"If we refused to pay bribe, drivers were tortured and FIR was lodged against them, he alleged. Therefore, the association had decided to shutdown its services till the withdrawal of section 144, Tariq said. He said, "If the government did not take any action to resolve the issue, the water tankers would block all major arteries."