Sand transporters' strike gets Federation support

“Talks with officials from the Department of Mines and Geology have failed. We are now compelled to call for an indefinite strike and stop transporting sand from Monday mid-night.

The government has asked us to follow the system now existing in neighbouring states, where the Public Works Department (PWD) supplies sand. We cannot wait until the implementation of such a system,” said G R Shanmugappa, president of FKSLOAA, here on Monday.

FKSLOAA has also demanded issue of a monthly permit at the earliest, halt the harassment from officials of State revenue department and withdrawal of criminal cases registered against sand lorry operators/owners, among other issues.

An estimated 7,200 sand transporting trucks are expected to stop plying across 10 districts in the State, with the strike coming into effect. The other lorry association - Federation of Karnataka Lorry Owner’s Association has already been supporting the strike from August 22.