Transport Workers Union Demands Investigation into Driver's Death

Kathmandu. All Nepal Transport Workers Union has expressed serious objection regarding the death of transport worker Ganesh Nepali who self-immolated. The union, issuing a press release on Wednesday, demanded an impartial and high-level investigation into the incident and strict action against the culprits.

The press release states, 'There is a lack of minimum physical infrastructure such as passenger boarding-alighting points, adequate parking, public toilets, and rest areas for workers in the Kathmandu Valley. When the state fails to fulfill its responsibilities and prioritizes punitive actions and heavy fines only on transport workers and vehicles, workers are driven to mental stress and despair.'

The union has accused the Metropolitan Police of serious shortcomings in rescue and treatment following the dispute created by locking the motorcycle of a ride-sharing driver and the subsequent attempt at self-immolation.

Furthermore, the union has warned that if the state remains indifferent to their demands, they will be forced to announce phased, strong, and peaceful protest programs to protect human rights and workers' rights guaranteed by the constitution.

These are the union's 7-point demands:

1. A high-level investigation committee should be formed to make public the truth of the incident.

2. Guilty individuals or bodies should be strictly punished according to the law.

3. The family of the deceased Ganesh Nepali should be provided with appropriate compensation, relief, and arrangements for long-term livelihood.

4. Infrastructure friendly to transport workers and passengers should be immediately arranged in the valley.

5. A service-oriented traffic management system should be implemented instead of a fine-and-punishment policy.

6. The mandatory participation of stakeholders in transport policy formulation should be ensured.

7. The 'terror' by the state on the roads should be stopped.