Take steps to end lorry strike, says trade body

The Federation of Telangana andAndhra Pradesh Chamber of Commerce today urged the Centre and the State to take immediate steps to end the ongoing truckers strike.

The All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) had on June 20 gone on an indefinite nationwide strike to protest against the government on issues, including a demand to rationalise taxes on diesel and reduce its prices, in accordance with the international market.

It is estimated that nearly 93 lakh trucks and other goods vehicles were off the roads across the country, disrupting the movement of goods, the federation said in a statement.

"While the demands of lorry association may be genuine, strike is not the solution to every issue and the Central government should take immediate measures to diffuse the crisis and call the relevant association for talks," the federation said.

The State governments need to represent the gravity of the situation to the Centre,the industry body said.

The strikes entering into the 5th day today has had an effect on the industry trade and commerce, exporters, and caused loss to the state and central exchequer, it added.

"We hope the government of Telangana will impress upon the Centre to mediate in the matter and resolve the deadlock in the mutual interest of all concerned," the federation said.