Transport operators strike enters day 3

Bangalore, Feb 25 (UNI) Prices of essential commodities continued to rise here with movement of goods badly hampered as the indefinite strike called by transport operators opposing mandatory fixing of speed governors entered the third day today.

However, 60,000-odd cab and taxi operators decided to withdraw from the stir bringing relief to commuters and nearly two lakh employees of IT and BT sectors who mainly depend on them.

The Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents Association refused to budge to the appeals made by the State Government.

Association Secretary Narayanappa told UNI here tonight that the plea filed by the Association in the Supreme Court seeking a stay to the High Court order on speed breakers would come up for hearing tomorrow.

''The strike has been total and nearly seven lakh vehicles, mainly trucks, have remained off the roads. Support from operators from other States has also been total,'' he claimed.

The commercial vehicle operators are up in arms with the State Government's notification making it mandatory to fix speed governors (a speed controlling electronic device) in all goods transport vehicles.

This was endorsed by the Karnataka High Court which set a deadline of June 30 for all commercial transport vehicles to be fitted with the device.

However, vehicles carrying essential goods, including milk, water, vegetables and school vans have been exempted from participating in the strike.

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