Shimla, April 8 -- The local residents of Shimla and members of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) held a protest outside the Deputy Commissioner's office in Shimla on Tuesday. The protest was organized in opposition to the recent decision by the Himachal Pradesh government to double the minimum bus fare from Rs 5 to 10.

Held under the banner of the CPIM, the demonstration witnessed participation from a large number of daily commuters, laborers, and local residents, all voicing concerns over the financial burden the fare hike would impose on the working class and economically weaker sections of society.

Speaking to the media during the protest, Jagat Ram, the State General Secretary of CPIM Himachal Pradesh, strongly condemned the d...