LDF asks Govt to deal with lorry strike sternly

Thiruavanathapuram, Nov 2: The Left Democratic Front (LDF) today asked the Kerala government to deal sternly with the indefinite strike by bus and lorry operators in the state as it had affected the people badly.

''The people are facing hardships as the movement of vegetables and petroleum products has been affected. This anti-people strike cannot be tolerated and should be dealt with firmly,'' LDF convener Vaikom Viswam told reporters here.

The government should give protection to lorries that come to the state and also take steps for taking the stranded lorries at the checkposts to its destinations, he said and added that the government should also think of giving temporary permits.

''In the name of a strike, the agitators are trying to stop the vehicles at the checkposts and unleashing attacks on the lorries that ply in the state. This cannot be tolerated. No one should be allowed to take the law in their hands. The government should take stern action against those who indulge in violence in the name of strike,'' Mr Viswam said.

He also appealed to the people to come forward to deal with the strike.

Heavy vehicles in the state, including private buses and lorries went off the road from October 29 in protest against a Government Order making compulsory, the installation of speed governors in heavy vehicles.

Meanwhile, the operators continued their strike saying that they were prepared to call off the agitation if the government assured them that it would not insist on speed governors for renewing fitness certificate and registration of new vehicles.

The prices of vegetables and fruits, which come from the neighbouring state, have started escalating and other essential commodities have also been hit. It is also causing hardships to office-goers, school and college students in many parts of the state.

UNI