Truckers strike enters fifth day

Coimbatore: The indefinite strike by truckers demanding easier and faster passage of cargo vehicles at Walayar check post entered the fifth day Sunday, badly affecting flow of essential commodities to the consumer state.

Leaders of All-India Motor Transport Congress which spearheads the strike said that though the Kerala government had invited them to a dialogue on Monday, their agitation would continue till a solution was found.

The trucks have stopped plying through Walayar check post, bordering Tamil Nadu and Kerala, from April one. The strike was intensified after the AIMTC decided to stop sending their trucks to Kerala from all the 18 check posts in the state.

Teas weighing about 15 lakh kg worth about Rs 10 crore were lying in the city and also in Nilgiris district for want of trucks to be sent to Kochi.

Transportation of eggs, chicken and vegetables were also affected following the strike.

The truckers wanted faster clearance of their vehicles, increasing check post counters from the present three and also basic amenities to lorry drivers and their assistants, the sources said.