Joda: Upset with non-revision of transport fares, members of Mining Area Truck Owners’ Association went on a vandalizing spree at a private mineral transport firm at Unchabali in Keojhar Friday. They allegedly assaulted some drivers of Haiwa vehicles carrying minerals.
Dumper owners have stopped transporting minerals since May 15 over their demand for hiking transport fare. Though 72 hours passed, mineral transporting contactors did not pay heed to their demand.
In protest against this, over 3500 truck owners held a meeting at the association’s office at Bansapani before taking out a massive rally to Jajang mine. They warned of stopping transport of minerals in Haiwa vehicles. Later, they trooped to the office of Maa Quarry transport agency at Unchabali and shouted slogan against Champua MLA Sanatan Mahakud.
They wanted to stop mineral transport in Haiwa vehicles. Before coming to the private transport office, the truck owners’ association had issued a letter seeking a halt of mineral transport in vehicles.
During the rally, as soon as the truck owners saw Haiwa vehicles carrying minerals, they detained the vehicles and broke the windshields of half a dozen of vehicles. Some of the drivers of those vehicles were beaten even though a section of police from Bamebari was present there.
The incident triggered tension at the spot. The police allegedly failed to control the situation.
The truckers held talks with the authorities of the mines, but no staff of Maa Quarry contractor was present.
Meanwhile, a decision was taken to give effect to the new prices in 15 days. Transporting of minerals by haiwas will also be stopped.
The association said that 20,000 people are dependent on operation of 3500 trucks engaged in mineral transporting. If transport fare is not hiked, all will lose their livelihood, it said.