New Delhi: Over six million trucks went off roads across India in the early hours of Monday, a day after talks with the government over their demand to reduce prices of diesel and tyres failed. Traders voiced fears of food shortages as the indefinite strike started.

The truckers started their strike following a call given by the All-India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) after last-minute talks with Road, Transport and Highways Secretary Brahm Dutt Sunday failed to break the deadlock.

AIMTC's main demands include a Rs.10 reduction in diesel price and rationalisation of tyre prices in view of the economic slowdown.

"The government has given economic support to several industries following the global downturn. But it has not given a thought towards the problems faced by the transport industry in recession. We also want a bailout package for survival," AIMTC president Charan Singh Lohara told IANS Monday.

He said the government has failed to address concerns of the transporters. "We are left with no option but to stay off roads. I haven't heard anything from the government recently."

AIMTC secretary S. Venugopal said: "We are on an indefinite strike. We never wanted such a situation. We have tried our best to sort out the issue with the government. But the government does not seem to be interested in our demands. We have been forced to take this drastic step."

Lohara said that trucks loaded before the strike started would deliver their consignments.

However, in New Delhi, few trucks carrying vegetables and fruits reached the Azadpur Mandi Monday. "Most of the trucks have not reached our mandi today (Monday) morning," said a worker at Azadpur Mandi, Asia's largest wholesale fruit and vegetable market.

Traders in Chandigarh and Jalandhar expressed fear that the strike would soon lead to shortage of fruits, vegetables and other essential commodities.

 

Source : IANS