Truckers strike enters third day

With both transporters and the government holding on to their stands, the truckers strike entered the third day on Wednesday.

While the government has roped in Railways to maintain supply of essential commodities besides taking other steps, transporters are saying they will not give up until their demands are met.

"We are incurring heavy losses in our business everyday. We cannot run business, we will not return to work until our demands are met by the government," All India Motor Transport Congress President Charan Singh Lohara said.

Truckers have taken their vehicles off road since Sunday midnight demanding reduction in diesel prices, exemption in service and toll taxes and a single permit for nationwide transportation among others.

Transporters yesterday asked for the Prime Minister's intervention for an early resolution to the impasse. On the other hand, Central government has asked states to handle the situation firmly and act under the provisions of Essential Commodities Act and National Security Act and impound trucks if needed.

The strike so far has affected Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Karnataka. There has also been partial impact in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.