Truck operators threaten Kutch bandh on May 24

Bhuj, May 21 (UNI) Kutch-based truck operators have decided to move in agitational methods, following sudden decision taken by the Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) to stop transportation of lignite from their Pandhro Lignite mine.

Truck operators held a meeting last evening to decide the course of action in view of the decision taken by GMDC, which was completely stopped for the past three days, severely affecting the truck operators. They then met the district collector and submitted a memorandum.

In the meeting they had decided to observe a hunger strike tomorrow, followed by a 'Rasto Roko' Agitation on May 23 and will call for Kutch 'Bandh' on May 24. They also decided not to transport lignite from the mine.

The sources said GMDC decision had affected scores of employees engaged in the transportation of lignite from the plant to various parts of the industries in the state. As many as ten thousand trucks are engaged daily in the transportation of the brown coal from GMDC plant.

They allegedly said according to GMDC sources transportation of lignite was stopped to reserve lignite in order to use the same in their upcoming power station as per the instruction from the state industry ministry.

UNI XR GR SM RAS ND1836