Strike in K'taka hits movement of trucks to & from TN

Krishnagiri: Trucks travelling to northern states from Tamil Nadu are stuck at Hosur on TN-Karnataka border with the Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents Association going on an indefinite strike in response to the rise in diesel and customs charges.

Truck owners across Karnataka are participating in the strike that commenced on Tuesday (April 15), bringing the movement of all trucks, including those heading to northern states from Tamil Nadu and those heading to the state from other parts of the country through Karnataka, to a halt. Trucks heading to TN are halted on the other side of the state border.

In a press meet held at Hosur on Wednesday, G R Shanmugappa, president, Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents Association, said the state (Karnataka) govt had convened a meeting with them on the day. "During the two-hour discussion, we insisted on immediate elimination of border checkpoints, which are notorious for extortion. At least 14 states have already removed these checkpoints. Our transport minister Ramalinga Reddy has committed to reviewing the situation in those states and taking necessary steps to eliminate the checkpoints within three months."

He, however, said no agreement was reached during the negotiations. "We have urged chief minister Siddaramaiah not to impose additional burden on us. We will continue with the strike until our demands are met."

The strike, which entered the second day on Wednesday, is hitting businesses to the tune of Rs4,000 crore a day, Shanmugappa said. "At least 100 trucks carrying onions from Nasik and 400 trucks of pulses have not reached their destinations. If the protest continues, the Karnataka govt will face significant repercussions," warned.

(Photos: A M Shudhagar)