The truckers who have been on strike since Monday over the stoppage of temporary permits for sand transportation said on Thursday if their demands go unmet, they will intensify stir.
G R Shanmugappa, president, The Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents Association said, if the government does not address the truckers’ issue, transportation of construction equipment will also be stopped from tomorrow and sand-laden lorries coming from the neighbouring states will not be allowed to enter Karnataka.
“Sand prices have been sky-rocketing since the strike began. The situation will worsen if the strike intensifies,” said Shanmugappa.
According to industry sources, a lorry load of fine sand is now selling for about Rs15,000, which was Rs 12,000 - 13,000 before the strike.
The striking truckers alleged that the government is playing with the lives of thousands of families who depend on the sand transportation sector for livelihood.
Temporary permits to sand transportation were stopped in the wake of a High Court order.
More From This Section
“The government is neither calling us for a dialogue, nor is it showing any inclination to vacate the stay from the High Court,” said Shanmugappa.
He urged that the government should invite truck owners for a detailed discussion in order to find out a permanant solution to the problem.