Report: Farooq Tariq
LPP Lahore has decided today in an aggregate to launch Doo Rupia
Tehrik. This is to demand a minimum of Two Rupees bus fare in
Lahore and a maximum of five Rupees to any distance inside Lahore.
Local transport was privitised during the end nineties and privates
buses of several companies were introduced for local travel. The
private busses have increased the minimum fare from Rupees two
to seven Rupees and a maximum of sixteen Rupees. The private buses
in Lahore are mainly owned by several provincial and federal ministers
under Musharaf.
This increase on regular basis has put the working people of Lahore
on a very difficult situation. There are fights and arguments
on every bus at any time in Lahore on the question of price increase
and other issues related to their travel.
The movement will be launched by formation of the committees on
all the routs. It will campaign against the privatization of the
public transport, against the monopolization of the routs, lowering
of the fare, concession for elderly and youth and more space for
women passengers.
A 22 member committee was formed today for the launch of the Doo
Rupia Tehrik. The Committee will meet on Wednesday 12th April
at Lahore to chart out the strategy for the movement. It has already
agreed on the main issues related to the movement. It was decided
that initially, the LPP Lahore will start the Tehrik and try to
bring more and more people to take the responsibilities on the
Tehrik. Do Rupia Tehrik will be the name of the movement. It will
be a broad base platform and anyone wanting to fight the privatization
of the local transport or wanted to bring down the fare will be
encouraged.
The idea generated a rich discussion on the issue and LPP Lahore
is gearing up to a new challenge. It was said today in the meeting
that LPP has helped to launch the Peasant movement in Okara, a
success story so for, LPP helped the Bhatta union to fight for
an end of Peshgi system, a brilliant success, LPP Lahore will
now take up a challenge in Lahore and will do its best.
It was also mentioned that big parties have refused to take up
the fight for the real issues of the masses. It has to be done
although LPP is a small force.
Please get involved and contact us for more information
|