The strike by truckers across the southern States entered the fifth day this morning amidst fears of shortage of food and other essential supplies. Except for milk, water, medicines, vegetables, fruits, petrol and diesel, transportation of all other goods into city including food grains and pulses have stopped. To avoid a crisis situation, the District Administration is preparing itself to invoke the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) against striking lorry owners.
Transporters across south India began their strike from the midnight of Mar. 30 following a call given by South India Motor Transport Association (SIMTA) to press for their demands including withdrawal of increase in the premium for third-party insurance, hike in penalty and toll fee. More than 5 lakh trucks are off the roads, crippling the movement of goods.
