09 January,2009 01:27 PM IST | | PTI
The deadlock between transporters across the country and the government remains unbroken on the fifth day with various states notifying Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) and planning to take strict action against the truckers.
"Our strike is continuing as there has been no initiative from the government to solve our issues and we will continue till our demands are met," All India Motor Transport Congress President Charan Singh Lohara said.
Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi have already notified ESMA and would shortly begin stern action against the truckers under provisions of the Act, Transport Secretary Brahm Dutt had said on Thursday.
Other states were also contemplating a similar action, he said. The prices of food items such as fresh fruits and vegetables have gone up by five to 10 per cent in various parts of the country in anticipation of disruption of supplies, Dutt had said.
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The transporters, on the other hand, had recently tried to bring political parties on their side for their demands. The Centre has also advised states to act tough on truckers and invoke Essential Commodities Act and National Security Act and impound trucks, if needed.
Truckers went on indefinite strike since Sunday midnight to press for reduction in diesel prices by Rs 10 per litre, exemption in service and toll taxes and a single permit for nationwide transportation among others.
Truckers' body Secy arrested in Delhi under ESMA
In a sign of bitter stand-off between the government and striking truckers, the All India Transporters Welfare Association today said its General Secretary, Ramesh Gulati, has been arrested in the national capital under the Essential Supplies Maintenance Act.
"Without any prior intimation, the Delhi Police came and arrested Gulati from his Dwarka Residence under ESMA Act," AITWA President Ramesh Agarwal said.
When contacted by PTI, a Delhi Police spokesperson, who neither confirmed nor denied the arrest, said "we are yet to receive the updated information."
