Pending demands: Truckers threaten to intensify protests

JALANDHAR: With the transporters’ strike entering its third day, the local truck unions might stop the vehicle carrying perishable goods from Monday, if the government fails to meet their demands. A meeting in this regard will be chaired in the national capital on Monday.

After a call by All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), truckers under the banner of All Punjab Truck Union (APTU), went on an indefinite strike from Friday.

They are demanding lower fuel prices and toll plaza free roads.

“To avoid any inconvenience to the public and ensure that perishable goods’ dealers do not face any losses, we are temporarily not stopping trucks from delivering products and letting them go with a warning,”said truck union president Happy Sandhu.

The union is also exempting oil and gas trucks with a warning, he added. “We are waiting for Monday’s decision. If the government fails to address our demands, we will stop all trucks as a part of our intensification,” he said.

A commission agent at local mandi, Raju, said the goods were being delivered with a delay due to the protest. “Sources say that from Monday onwards, there will be shortage of supply due to which prices might hike,” he said.

“Though there is no hike at present, the rates of few vegetables have already started fluctuating,” added Raju.

Another fruit agent, Vijay Dua, said, “Goods loaded three days back are being delivered now. Distributors are reluctant to supply fruits as they fear losses if the goods are destroyed due to protests.”