Post Master General V Sadasivam who maintained that they had started all transactions except money orders said that the department would consider the possibility of inviting students to help them out to continue services. More than 135 homeguards have been requisitioned by the department.

As the nation-wide strike entered into its fifth day today, the striking employees today declared their intentions to intensify the stir. They took out a morcha from Sonya Maruti Chowk to the district collector's office. Copies of memorandum were submitted to the PMG and the district collector. At least 3000 employees participated in the morcha.

B B Bhadake, secretary of the Postal Employees Joint Action Committee and his colleagues threatened to court arrest if postal services were declared as essential services. He also said that the second cadre of employees were also ready to lend their support to the strike.

Sadasivam revealed that about 50 speed post articles had been accepted by the department today and hoped that normal traffic in registered posts and speed post articles will be resumed in the next few days.

According to a statement issued here, work has begun at Baramati, Bhor, Saswad, Rajgurunagar, Lonavla, Junnar and Daund in Pune rural division. Sale of stamps, registration, speed post and money orders, bookings and payment are being accepted at these post offices.