Transporters' strike enters seventh day

With the impasse between the transporters and government continuing, the truckers' strike entered the seventh day today, even as the Centre has called a meeting of all the state transport ministers tomorrow. "We are continuing our strike, and will not give up unless the government gives us a solution," All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) Vice-President Amolak Singh Bhatia told PTI.

The government had said yesterday it was willing to talk to AIMTC representatives, even as it roped in rival truckers union All India Confederation of Goods Vehicle Owner's Association for support towards minimising the impact of the strike.

AMITC, however, maintains that there can be no talks as its leaders are under arrest.

Delhi government had arrested AIMTC President Charan Singh Lohara and Secretary S Venugopal on Friday under Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA). Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar also met Secretaries of Ministry of Road and Surface Transport, Defence, Railways, I&B and Petroleum yesterday to review the situation emanating from the nationwide strike.

Meanwhile, cracking the whip against striking transporters, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Goa and Madhya Pradesh have invoked ESMA earlier this week.

Prices of essential commodities in various parts of the country moved up by 10-15 per cent since the truckers agitation began.