Truckers strike might intensify — union leader arrested

Our Corporate Bureau
27 August 2004

The truckers, in retaliation, threatened to extend the strike for another three months if the government did not revoke a new service tax on freight booking agents.

All-India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) Secretary-General JM Saksena along with five others, was called in for questioning by the police.

"If our demand is not met immediately, we are willing to continue this strike for three months," said BN Dhumal, AIMTC president.

After yesterday's failed talks between the government and the AIMTC, the striking truckers refused further talks, apparently angered by the arrest of OP Agarwal by the Delhi Police under ESMA.

"We are willing to talk, but the use of police force against our peaceful agitation will only precipitate the situation," Saksena said.