Date:10/08/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/08/10/stories/2007081050410100.htm

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Talks offer turned down

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: The Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents’ Associations on Thursday turned down the offer of talks with Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy saying the invitation was “unofficial” and inadequate.

Even as the sand and construction material transporters continued their strike for the third day, the federation said “non-communication from the Government is painful.”

Its president G.R. Shanmugappa has in a statement said that there was an unofficial invitation extended for a discussion with the Chief Minister which was turned down “firmly”.

He said the federation had insisted for an invitation for talks directly from the office (of the Chief Minister) with a condition that Deputy Commissioners of four districts where sand mining is allowed, top police officers and the head of the Department of Mines and Geology take part in the meeting.

The federation was of the opinion that talks held between the Chief Minister and the federation without the presence of officials would only result in an “eyewash” assurance which does not help the agitating transporters, Mr. Shanmugappa said.

The strike has affected several projects and individuals building houses. The Builders Association of India has called for early intervention of the State Government.

The Krishnarajapura/Bhattarahalli Lorry Owners Association and the NGEF Lorry Owners Federation have expressed support to the strike.