The Hindu : Split among striking truckers

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Apr 23, 2003

Front Page

Front Page

Split among striking truckers

By P.K. Bhardwaj

NEW DELHI APRIL 22. Even as there were reports of violence following a clash between two factions of striking truckers, an early end to the transporters' strike in the country looks elusive on the ninth day of the agitation. However, there were some signs of a split among the striking truckers.

While the Government remained stuck to its position, a splinter group of the strikers met Petroleum and Road Transport Ministries officials. The group, comprising the representatives of the All-India Confederation of Goods Vehicles Owners Association (ACOGOA), is understood to have pursued its three-point agenda including appropriation of the toll tax and rationalisation of levies on diesel.

The ACOGOA, which had openly aired its differences with the All-India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) a couple of days ago, claimed that negotiations were still on. "All issues have not been resolved and the dialogue will continue," its chief, Chenna Reddy, said.

At the same time, the AIMTC general secretary, J.M. Saksena, said his organisation was not part of today's discussions with the Government.

However, he claimed that a meeting between their representatives and the Union Minister for Human Resource Development, M.M. Joshi, took place in the evening. No confirmation was forthcoming from Mr. Joshi's office. Mr. Joshi had met the AIMTC representatives on Monday.

According to reports, a clash between the pro and anti-strike truckers resulted in injuries to some persons in Gujarat.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page

Stories in this Section

Centre convenes meet on SARS tomorrow

Fernandes to be screened

Pak. ready to name official to discuss agenda for talks

Marchers throng Najaf, Karbala; Saddam aide held

'U.S. tried to discredit inspectors'

Split among striking truckers

Hurriyat not to meet Vohra

Six killed in blast near Srinagar

Govt. staff to join strike

Togadia defiant

Sheila Kaul chargesheeted

Purulia: notice to Centre

Sri Lanka on alert

Indians freed in Russia