Bengal truckers to go for indefinite strike from June 18

Truckers in West Bengal today said they will go on an indefinite strike from June 18, endorsing a similar call by their all India body, demanding reduction of diesel prices and to protest alleged police excesses.

The Federation of West Bengal Truck Operators Association said its 3.71 lakh members will join the agitation in support of the countrywide truck strike called by All India Confederating of Goods Vehicles Association to press for their demands.

"Our main demand is reduction of diesel prices or introduction of GST in fuel pricing," Federation general secretary Subhas Chandra Bose said.

Bose said high third party insurance premium was also a matter of concern and that the truckers want an immediate reduction of the rates.

He said the Federation is also protesting police and motor vehicle department officials' alleged excesses in the state.

The Federation members held a meeting today and endorsed the strike call given by their all-India body from June 18 and would join the agitation, he said.

Strike by the truckers would mean less supply of perishable food items to and from the state, including fish, eggs, fruits and spices and that could lead to hike in prices of goods.