SUKKUR, Dec 2: Members of business, political activists and social organisations have strongly resented delay in reduction of transport fares at inter-city and intra city routes of Sukkur, despite considerable relief extended by the government to them in shape of cut in fuel prices.

To vent their anger, JUI Sukkur organised a protest demonstration here on Tuesday which was led by Maulana Abdul Haq Mahar and others. The protesters carried placards and sought relief for commuters.

In their speeches JUI leaders strongly criticised the attitude of government officials and demanded immediate action against the transporters.

According to them, the soaring prices of fuel had earlier hit hard the farming community and now when relief in the fuel prices had been accorded, it’s benefit was not being shifted to the commuters.

They demanded a 50 per cent reduction in transport fares on these routes.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that heavy expenses are being borne by the local traders for consignment of goods to Sukkur from other cities and ultimately they were left with no option but to shift the burden of increasing prices directly on the buyers and consumers.

On the other hand, Sukkur small traders, representing more than 75 per cent trade organisations of the city, has also voiced concern against the attitude of transporters and demanded of the government to adopt strong policy against them.

They said that when the fuel prices were raised, it’s burden was promptly shifted on the public, but when relief has now been given by the government, the transporters were not prepared to follow it.

PROTEST: Leaders of Mazdoor Ittehad and Civil Society activists of Khairpur staged a protest demonstration here on Tuesday and decried that the common men did not get any relief as neither transport fare nor prices of general items were reduced despite cut petrol and diesel prices, reports our Khairpur Correspondent .