Kerala truckers to go on indefinite strike

Kozhikode, Oct 28: The movement of heavy vehicles, incluiding private buses and trucks, in Kerala would be effected following their owners coordination committee decision to go ahead with indefinite agitation from October 29 midnight in protest against the Supreme Court order on speed governors mandatory in heavy vehicles in the state.

Describing the order as ''discriminatory,'' Federation secretary K K Hamsa told reporters here today that ''we cannot understand why the order was being implemented on trucks in Kerala alone'' while other states were left out.

Stating that such a move would adversely impact their business, he said once the device was installed the vehicle cannot be moved above a speed of 40 kmph not only on Kerala roads but on express highways outside where uniform speed was 70-75 kmph.

''We have no option but to withdraw vehicles from the roads'' as the state government took an adamant attitude to implement the decision from November 20 in the state.

Reminded of the government's plan to bring an ordinance on the issue, he said it was not practicable as the President cannot give assent to such a bill singling out a particular state.

Kerala Transport Minister Mathew T Thomas held a meeting with the union leaders yesterday to resolve the crisis but no solution was arrived at as both the parties stuck to their respective stand.

UNI