Date:10/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/10/stories/2009011059111200.htm

Front Page

Centre cracks the whip on truckers

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The government arrested the top leadership of the agitating All-India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) on Friday. The truckers strike, which entered the fifth day, was discussed at the Union Cabinet meeting which, according to Union Road Transport Department officials, condemned the strike. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh directed that steps be taken to check the prices of essential commodities.

The Surface Ministry issued an action plan to the States to make available at least 15 to 20 lakh trucks to carry essential goods. They were asked to seize trucks and operate them at any cost.

Invoking the provisions of the Essential Services Maintenance Act, over 30 members of the AIMTC were rounded up across the country, including its national president Charan Singh Lohara and secretary S. Venugopal.