Truckers in the Jaintia region began their indefinite strike from Tuesday to pressurise coke factories to hike transportation charges. As many as 281 trucks went off the road, and coke transport activity has come to a halt.
Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owner and Drivers Association (MCTODA) Jaiñtia Unit Secretary Shanborlang Suchiang told reporters that all coke transporting trucks have extended their support to the indefinite strike over the demand to increase the transportation charge to Rs 2500 from Rs 1400 per ton.
Besides the hike, the truckers are also demanding engaging them to ferry materials. According to them, the coke and cement factories are using their own transport stating that this has severely impacted the livelihood of local truck drivers and owners.
Suchiang said the association has reminded coke manufacturing units on several occasions, the latest being on April 14-15. A reminder was also sent to them on May 1, but there has been no response from their end, he said.
