Lorry owners to embark on indefinite strike

Chennai, Jun 30 (UNI) Over 55,000 members affiliated to the Confederation of Tamil Nadu Sand Lorry Owners Association will embark on an indefinite strike from July two in protest against non-supply of diesel across the state.

Talking to reporters here today, Association President S Yuaraj and Secretary R Panneerselvam said more than three lakh lorry owners, associated with the industry, including heavy vehicle owners, would participate in the strike, which would lead to a loss of Rs 400 crore per day for the state.

Alleging that the demand for diesel was ''artificial'' as it was prevailing only in Tamil Nadu and not in other states, they said both the State and Central Governments had ''failed'' to redress the issue.

They wanted the Centre and State to convene a tripartite commitee meeting, involving diesel and petrol companies, state government representatives and lorry owners, to arrive at an amicable settlement.

They also urged the government to ensure that unleaded petrol and diesel were supplied to petrol bunks across the state instead of premium brands till the situation stabilised.

The Association also demanded the government to set up a separate welfare board for sand lorry owners.

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