Hyderabad, April 23 (IANS) Amid the ongoing strike by the employees of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC), a bus driver on Thursday attempted self-immolation during the protest by the striking employees to press for their demands.

The incident occurred in the Warangal district, triggering tension. The driver set himself ablaze during the protest at Narasampet bus depot.

K. Shankar Goud sustained 80 per cent burns. He was shifted to MGM Hospital in Warangal, where he was battling for life.

In Nalgonda, an RTC worker tried to immolate himself. Alert police personnel and other employees stopped him from taking the extreme step.

The public road transport services across Telangana remained crippled on Thursday as the indefinite strike by the employees of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) entered its second day.

Employees staged protests outside depots. On a call given by the Joint Action Committee (JAC), employees gathered outside the depots and raised slogans in support of their demands.

About 40,000 employees are on strike in support of their 32 demands. The main demands include the merger of TGSRTC with the government and pay revision.

Meanwhile, the State Cabinet discussed the strike by RTC employees.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy appealed to RTC workers not to take any hasty decisions.

He stated that taking extreme steps will not solve the problem and assured that the government is sincerely focusing on resolving the issues of the workers, said a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

The Chief Minister directed that ministers, under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, should invite RTC union leaders for talks on Friday.

The Chief Minister made it clear that the government is positive and committed to addressing the concerns of the workers.

–IANS

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