Patiala, Feb. 13 -- In a major relief to commuters, contractual workers of state-owned Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS and PRTC on Thursday called off their strike after talks with government officials.

A member of the Contract Workers' Union said they had been assured by the government officials that union members who were apprehended during the agitation last November would be released.

The contractual employees went on strike on Wednesday protesting against the non-release of union members and also privatisation of bus service through the kilometre scheme.

The strike had hit bus services across Punjab, with around 8,000 workers from 27 depots staying away from duty. The disruption caused severe inconvenience to passengers, who were forced t...