Kathmandu, June 4 -- Hundreds of thousands of common people across the country faced hardships for the second day on Tuesday, as the government and the National Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs, which called a public transport strike, remained unfazed by commuters' plight.

They called off the strike later on Tuesday evening.

The halt in public transportation hit hard the ailing people, office-goers, college students, caregivers, and others travelling for various purposes.

"Criminal groups of the transport entrepreneurs have been encouraged by the incumbent government and continue their activities," said Bishnu Prasad Timalsina, general secretary of the Forum for Protection of Consumer Rights-Nepal. "Instead of acting tough o...