Date:07/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/07/stories/2009010759220300.htm

Karnataka - Mangalore

Lorry movement normal in Dakshina Kannada

Special Correspondent

The stir is for a genuine cause, says lorry owners’ association president

MANGALORE: The nation-wide truckers’ strike has not affected the markets in Mangalore. Most of the over 7,000 trucks in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts have not supported the stir.

The loading and unloading activities were normal at the Bunder marketing sub-yard. President of South Canara Trasnport Operators’ Association Sanjeeva Shetty said that the lorry owners had been asked to take their own decisions about participating in the strike.

Most of them could not afford to stay away from work and suffer losses. They had invested a huge money on purchasing the lorries, he said.

NMPT

Many lorries carrying iron ore fines and other material had arrived at the New Mangalore Port and Bunder yard on Tuesday. The association had asked the owners not to disturb the vehicles carrying essential commodities, including food grains and vegetables.

There was adequate supply of vegetables, fruits and flowers at the Central Market.

‘Multiple taxes’

Mr. Shetty, however, said he supported the nation-wide strike as its cause was genuine. Lorry owners were subjected multiple taxes and the fuel prices had to reduced, he said.

Deputy Commissioner V. Ponnuraj had called the association representatives for a meeting on Wednesday, Mr. Shetty said.