Sand transporters call off strike

Sand transporters today called off their ten-day-old strike after talks with the Karnataka government on their charter of demands which included the issue of permits to them.

President of the Federation of Karnataka Lorry Owners and Agents Association G R Shanmukappa announced the decision to withdraw the strike at a press conference here after parleys with the transport minister R Ashok. The Government has agreed to auction sand beds by December 12 and the transporters have consented to paint sand carrying lorries in yellow colour as directed by the state, Shanmukappa said.

The government held auctioning in 273 spots as against 1,500, he said. Ashok said regional commissioners have been asked to initiate the process of auctioning of sand in notified areas.

Government declared a ban on sale of ‘filtered sand’ and decided to form a task force involving officials from regional transport offices, mines and geology, tahsildar and police. Cases would be booked by these agencies against those who engage in filter sand trade, Ashok said.